Category Archives: Press

Press

Press Release

Key topics for the Church addressed with the General Secretaries of EU Bishops’ Conferences

For the third consecutive year the General Secretaries of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU gathered in Brussels on Thursday 30 January 2020 to nurture their effective cooperation with COMECE in view of a strong contribution to the dialogue with the EU institutions. Participants analysed the new settings of the European institutions, following the last EU elections held in May 2019. In this context, the … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Policy Areas, Press

News

Integral human development: how can the EU enhance partnerships with religious actors?

On Thursday 23 January 2020 COMECE hosted a dialogue meeting between Churches, faith-based actors, as well as international and European policy-makers, on how to enhance the cooperation among actors working in the field of integral and sustainable human development. Co-organised with Caritas Europa in the context of on-going negotiations on the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the meeting highlighted the important role of Churches and … Continue reading »

Justice & Fundamental Rights, Policy Areas, Press

News

Liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau: 75th anniversary. Bishops across Europe: “No to antisemitism and political manipulation of the truth”

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, COMECE and CCEE, on behalf of the bishops of the EU and Europe, express their commitment to fight “all acts that trample on human dignity”, including racism, xenophobia and antisemitism. In the spirit of the message addressed by Pope Francis to the “Simon Wiesenthal Center” on Monday 20 January 2020, … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

Churches-EU Dialogue: COMECE and CEC meet with the Croatian EU Presidency

An ecumenical delegation composed of representatives from Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) met in Zagreb on Monday, 20 January 2020 with Mr. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, to exchange on the priorities of the Croatian Presidency of the EU Council, which started on 1 January 2020. The delegation led by H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President … Continue reading »

Press

Press Release

COMECE and CEC pray for Christian Unity at the European Parliament

On the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, COMECE, together with the Conference of European Churches (CEC), celebrated an ecumenical prayer at the European Parliament on Wednesday, 22 January 2020. Hosted by MEP Peter van Dalen, the Ecumenical Prayer focused on the theme “They showed us unusual kindness”. It was led by Br. Alois, Prior of the Taizé community, with contributions from … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Policy Areas, Press

News

COMECE calls the EU to ensure stability in Burkina Faso

According to recent statistics, since the beginning of 2019, a total of 238 armed attacks have been reported in Burkina Faso, transforming the African country in the epicenter of the Sahel’s security crisis. COMECE calls the EU to support the country’s authorities, as well as Churches and religious communities, to prevent clashes and conflicts and enhance mutual respect. About one-third of the country is engulfed … Continue reading »

Policy Areas, Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

What is the link between Tax Justice and Poverty?

COMECE, together with the Jesuit Provincial Conferences from Europe and Africa, held a conference on Wednesday 11 December 2019 on the link between “Tax justice and poverty”. Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto: “taxes should be thesteering wheel of the economy towards ecological and social justice”. The event gathered selected representatives of the EU Commission, Church and civil society, experts on fair taxation in Europe and Africa, … Continue reading »

Press

NEWS

Interreligious dialogue, Cardinal Ayuso visits COMECE

On Wednesday 11thDecember H. Em. Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, visited COMECE and celebrated Holy Mass in the chapel with members of the Secretariat, MEPs and other persons related to EU institutions. In his homily, based on the readings of the day, he exhorted the participants to find “our real rest in the Lord”. Cardinal Miguel Ángel … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Press

NEWS

COMECE supports the process launched with the European Green Deal

COMECE welcomes the ‘European Green Deal’ as presented yesterday Wednesday 11 December 2019, at the European Parliament by EU Commission’s President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen. “It is very important that Europe takes the lead in the care for our environment” – stated COMECE General Secretary, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto. “It is also desirable – continued Fr. Barrios Prieto – that the EU institutions go … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Press

NEWS

World Church leaders call upon COP25 for urgent climate action

Following the recent Synod of the Bishops on Amazonia, the President of COMECE, H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, together with other Catholic Church leaders from across all continents, issued a call upon policymakers participating in COP25 for immediate actions to be taken to tackle and overcome climate change. Church leaders from every continent express their deep concern about the poor state of commitment and … Continue reading »