Category Archives: Press

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 »

Press, Social & Economic Affairs

NEWS

COMECE Social Affairs Commission discuss key policy areas for a just ecological transition

Under the chairmanship of H.E. Mgr. Antoine Hérouard, the COMECE Social Affairs Commission gathered in Brussels on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November 2019 to exchange views on key EU challenges towards integral ecology and a just transition. The meeting was held in dialogue with EU representatives, experts and Church inspired organisations. During the event, experts delegated by EU Bishops’ Conferences, as well as by … Continue reading »

International Religious Freedom, Press

Invitation

COMECE invites you to participate in a public conference on Trafficking in Human Beings

Five years after the joint Declaration of religious leaders against modern slavery, COMECE and Don Bosco International organise a public event on how to counter Trafficking in Human Beings, with the participation of MEP Pietro Bartolo (S&D). The conference will take place at the European Parliament (Room ASP-A5E3), Brussels, on Monday 2 December 2019 from 15h00 to 17h00. The event will be hosted by MEP … Continue reading »

EU External Affairs, Press

News

How can the EU promote a fair and people-centered Eastern Partnership?

COMECE contributed to the EU public consultation on the future of the Eastern Partnership, providing recommendations addressing some of the key challenges in EU’s cooperation with its six neighbours. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Eastern Partnership, COMECE elaborated its contribution on the future EU policy objectives with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. In dialogue with local Church authorities from … Continue reading »

Press, Social & Economic Affairs

Press Release

2019 World Day of the Poor COMECE and Caritas Europa encourage the EU to address the structural causes of poverty

On the occasion of the World Day of the Poor, which will be celebrated on Sunday 17 November 2019, COMECE and Caritas Europaencourage the European institutions and the Member States to enhance their social policies in order to combat the structural causes of poverty, promoting integral human development and putting an end to poverty in the EU. According to recent statistics, nearly a fifth of … Continue reading »