In cooperation with the Centre for Catholic Social Science (KSZ), COMECE held on 18 and 19 May its social-ethical talks in Mönchengladbach/Germany. At the two-day meeting, about 80 scholars, politicians and representatives of the Church and its organisations exchanged their views on the topic of “Integration as a challenge – Living together in Europe”.
(Credit: Web)
Participants stressed the need for political actions and civic engagement in order to facilitate the integration of refugees and migrants into society. In his presentation, the political scientist Antonius Liedhegener (University of Lucerne/Switzerland) showed that religion is not an obstacle but, on the contrary, a contributing factor to swift integration. In his claim for a close cooperation between religious actors, civil society, and the state, he therefore agreed with the theologian Marianne Heimbach-Steins (University of Münster/Germany), who sketched the EU’s responsibility for asylum and migration policy in her introduction.
Referring to various initiatives of local Kolping associations, Samantha Ruppel from Kolpingwerk Germany explained how citizens themselves can contribute to the common challenge of integration of refugees and migrants. The project manager also presented the Kolping exhibition car on integration, which aims to raise awareness for the needs of refugees in a one-year roadshow throughout Germany.
The Member of the European Parliament Birgit Sippel (S&D) brought in the perspective of European politics. The politician briefed the audience on the current EU negotiations of the Common European Asylum System, which she believed would lead to a regression to the old Dublin system. Moreover, Auxiliary Bishop Dieter Geerlings shared his experience on how his diocese Münster/Germany welcomed and received refugees. The event closed with a panel debate with representatives from different European countries who reported on their experience in the work with refugees and migrants.
The conference of the social-ethical talks is a joint COMECE and KSZ event. It takes place annually in the town hall of Mönchengladbach/Germany.