Churches call for commitment to common European values amidst Covid-19. “Let us remain united”

As COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Europe and the world, presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC) have issued a joint call stressing the importance of unity, calling all Churches, communities and political leaders “to show our commitment to European values”.

World map showing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic virus, focus on Europe. (Photo: Alexandr Vorobev/Shutterstock)

The joint statement titled “Let Us Remain United”, issued on Thursday, 2 April 2020, urges a demonstration of “joint commitment to common European values of solidarity and unity”, encouraging political decision-makers to establish “measures alleviating social, economic and financial shocks”.

COMECE President H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger, also express their deep gratitude for those “who serve their fellow human beings with empathy and warmth” and welcome the “individual and collective initiatives that are reinventing new forms of solidarity”.

The statement acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic and its dire consequences have hit Europe and the entire world with great strength. “Putting to the test every person, family and community, the present crisis has exposed the vulnerabilities and apparent certainties of our politics, economics and societies,” it reads.

“Instead of capitulating to fear and nationalism,” they say, it is time to reinforce international cooperation and humanitarian assistance to support weaker health systems and regions in need.

The two presidents praise “the numerous policy actions” carried out by the EU and its Member States and encourage political leaders to act in a “determined, transparent, empathic and democratic way” while battling with the virus.