Category Archives: Policy Areas

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Churches on the Frontline of Integration: COMECE-CEC-CCME joint press release

Today the European Commission convened a Dialogue Seminar focused on looking beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis provoked by the recent influx of migrants and refugees on European soil. COMECE, CEC, and CCME gathered experts and Church leaders from across Europe to discuss models of integration, best practices, and the fundamental values that guide integration within the European Union. Welcoming migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees became … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

High-level conference on the persecution of Christians in the world European Parliament

A high-level conference on inter-faith dialogue and the situation of Christians around the world took place on Tuesday 1 December 2015, at the European Parliament, organised by Antonio Tajani, vice-president of Parliament, and attended by President Martin Schulz. During his intervention, the Vice-President of COMECE, Mgr. Jean Kockerols, Auxiliary Bishop of Malines-Bruxelles, stated “International peace programmes must include Christians, so that in those areas torn … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

“The time for conversion is now…”, say COMECE Bishops in view of COP 21

Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21), COMECE presents to the negotiators, to concerned EU citizens and to all who care about the future of our planet a comprehensive report on the climate issue. The UN Conference on Climate (COP 21) opens in Paris on Sunday 29 November 2015. Aware that the EU is a major player and that Europe is key … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

News

Integration of Migrants: A Catholic Perspective Evening debate Tuesday

People migrate for a variety of reasons. Leaving the land of one’s birth is never easy. Today an increasing number of people are driven out of their homeland by poverty or by despair concerning the economic or social prospects of themselves or their families. The European Union has witnessed lately an unprecedented influx of refugees and migrants, fleeing military conflicts or poverty in their native … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Paris attacks: Statement of the General Secretary of COMECE

“The attacks perpetrated on the people of Paris yesterday evening fill us all with revulsion. They are beyond contempt. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims of these senseless acts of violence and their families. France cannot give in to campaigns of terror or violent attack, nor can Europe. Barbarism such as we have witnessed in Paris calls for a response from the civilised … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Luncheon debate : The Dangers of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems

Autonomous lethal weapon systems represent one of the greatest challenges to the peaceful co-existence of peoples. They are not just highly problematic from the viewpoint of international law. They may also have a destabilising impact on security policy. However, above all their use raises major ethical questions. During the lunch debate, two distinguished experts will discuss the risks of lethal autonomous weapon systems and present … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

The Church in the run-up to COP 21 Christians and Climate Change: we can do more than we realise

The negotiations of the UN Climate Summit COP 21, which takes place in Paris towards the end of the year, presents a great challenge to our planet and to the whole of humanity. Inspired by the appeal launched by Pope Francis, the COMECE bishops held their autumn plenary assembly in Paris as a sign of their great engagement with the climate change issue. “All Christians … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

Appeal to COP 21 negotiating parties

Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21), Cardinal Marx, the President of COMECE, has signed the following appeal issued by Cardinals, Patriarchs and Bishops from across the globe representing the continental groupings of national episcopal conferences. This appeal calls on the negotiators of the COP21 in Paris to work toward the approval of a fair, binding and truly transformational climate agreement. With … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

Lunch debate: Climate change and human mobility challenges

‘Migration is a positive and effective adaptation strategy in case of situations forcing people to leave their homelands’. The lunch debate COMECE organised on 21 October 2015 aimed at raising awareness of the potential challenges that climate induced mobility of persons represents for the international community and the appropriate answers to this phenomenon, including policy-related ones. Prof. Kjeld Rasmussen (University of Copenhagen) described in his … Continue reading »