Category Archives: Press

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Synthetic Biology: engineering life without risks?

The COMECE Working Group on Ethics in Research and Medicine publishes an Opinion on Synthetic Biology. Synthetic Biology involves the engineering of biological components and systems that do not exist in nature and the re-engineering of existing biological elements. Synthetic Biology could soon have multiple industrial applications in the domains of health, energy, materials, environment and agriculture. This new technology therefore raises great expectations and … Continue reading »

Migration & Asylum, Policy Areas, Press

Press Release

Refugees, Migrants, Integration: Proposals of the European Bishops to the EU

COMECE welcomes in principle the conclusions of the European Council on 17 December 2015 and the concrete steps they entail for the implementation of measures concerning the reception, support and relocation of refugees in the European Union. Nevertheless it is to be regretted that the Member States were not encouraged to take further steps for the integration of the asylum seekers. Ahead of the European … Continue reading »

Ethics, Research & Health, Policy Areas, Press

News

Gestational surrogacy condemned outright by the European Parliament today

Today the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2014 and the European Union’s Policy in its regard came before the Plenary of the European Parliament for a vote. There is much in the report which those who are committed to fundamental rights and values can only welcome: this is illustrated by the fact that the report clearly calls for the abolition … Continue reading »

Ecology & Sustainability, Policy Areas, Press

News

COP21: Translate the Paris agreement into concrete action with solidarity at its core

The General Secretary of COMECE, Patrick H. Daly, welcomes the responsibility and the sense of compromise which enabled 195 countries to reach an agreement which paves the way toward protection of our common home. “ The adoption of the framework convention of the UN on climate change (CCNUCC) by 195 countries in Paris on 12 December represents a great forward step for humanity as a … Continue reading »

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 »