Category Archives: Policy Areas

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

The COMECE Bishops welcome the Arab Spring as a sign of hope

After decades of diplomatic deadlock and conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, the COMECE Bishops now see in the Arab Spring a clear sign of hope. The popular uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other Arab countries represent a legitimate claim for freedom and human dignity for millions of people. This is the main message of the Spring Plenary Assembly of COMECE, which … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

Event

“Christian Churches in Maghreb and Mashriq”

How can we understand the current developments in the Middle East and Northern Africa from an Indigenous (native) Christian Perspective? What are the effects of the “Arab Revolution” for religious freedom in the Middle East? Within the context of its Spring Plenary Assembly from 6-8 April, the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) is pleased to invite you to an EVENING DEBATE … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Shift of ECHR finally acknowledges the diversity of approaches in Europe regarding religious symbols in the public square

COMECE welcomes the sound judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg in the case Lautsi vs Italy. The Grand Chamber of the ECHR stated on 18 March 2011 that the presence of crucifixes in Italian State-school classrooms is not contrary to the right to education. This decision clearly refutes the previous 2009 judgment of the ECHR Chamber. COMECE sees in this decision … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

Persecution of Christians finally given the attention it deserves. Concrete political action is now needed

COMECE greatly values today’s EU Council’s Conclusions on “intolerance, discrimination and violence on the basis of religion or belief” as a good step in the right direction. The fusion of ‘common sense’ and ‘political will’ has prevailed to secure the strong statement urgently needed to stop the widespread acts of terrorism and sectarianism against Christians worldwide. In paragraph 2 the Council condemns the acts of … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

Persecution of Christians: a most regrettable wavering on a strong diplomatic EU commitment

COMECE very much regrets that the 27 Foreign Ministers of the EU failed yesterday to agree on a joint declaration condemning religious persecution. This diplomatic wavering is all the more incomprehensible as innocent lives are being cut short in atrocious attacks against Christians and other minorities all over the world. The agreement failed due to internal wrangling among the Ministers over a specific reference to … Continue reading »