Meeting on the relevance of Christian values for the European Union, held in Brussels on Wed 6 Dec 2023 with the participation of EU officials and representatives of Churches and Catholic NGOs. (Photo: COMECE)
The relevance of Christian values for the European Union, especially in the context of the upcoming European elections in June 2024, was discussed by EU officials and representatives of Churches and Catholic NGOs in a meeting held in Brussels last Wednesday 6 December 2023.
Organised by COMECE, together with the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, the meeting featured a discussion on how Christian faith and values shape our daily life, behaviour and action, as well as on how they inspire and contribute to the legal proposals and policies of the European Union.
“As Christians we want to reflect together on the role of Christians Values for the present and future of Europe in view of the coming European elections – stated Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE. It is undeniable that the Christian faith has inspired the European project from its beginning and is called to continue to do so through the commitment of Christians serving in the institutions”, he continued.
Katerina Pekridou, CEC Programme Officer for Theology and Studies, said that “in a time of multiple crises and increased polarisation in European societies, it becomes apparent that prosperity and economic growth are not sufficient objectives for the Union”.
She went on to say that lasting peace and reconciliation, the principal aim of the Union, not only require efficient political structures, but also the fundamental values of justice and solidarity.
“We are convinced that Churches have a pivotal role to play in strengthening the values underpinning the existence of the EU, and contribute to reconciliation among communities and peoples”, Pekridou added.
György HölvényI MEP, Co-Chairman of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue stressed the importance of peace and speaking truth in the current political environment, where cooperation and enhancing understanding are essential.
Jan Olbrycht MEP, Vice-Chairman and Chief Whip of the EPP Group in the EP and Co-Chairman of the EPP Working Group on Intercultural Relations and Interreligious Dialogue, reflected on how Christian values must be demonstrated in practice. He highlighted the complexity of diverse approaches in addressing ethical issues among European Churches as well as the EU Member States.
MEP Lukas Mandl from the Group of the European People’s Party spoke about the challenges related to disinformation and hate speech in the current political environment. In addressing these challenges, he stressed the significance of human dignity rooted in Christian values.