As Europe prepares for the 2024 European elections in June, representatives from various churches gathered in Thessaloniki, Greece from May 15-17, 2024 to highlight the role of Christian values in European politics and society in a context of increasing secularization. Mgr. Crociata said: “Churches have the opportunity and responsibility to give our societies hope not to lose the memory of the roots that give life to the values that unite our communities.” Speech [1 – 2] | Photo gallery | Declaration: FR – FR – DE
The international conference was marked by reflections and political dialogue in anticipation of the upcoming European elections. Participants explored and examined creative ways to promote Christian values in European societies and political arenas, thereby effectively contributing to resolving current crises affecting peace, climate, society and the economy.
HE Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, highlighted the vital unifying role of the Churches. “ [We] We have the opportunity and the responsibility to give our societies the hope of not losing the memory of the roots that give life to the values that unite our communities.”
In the same vein, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of CEC, also emphasized: “We are united in spirit and we support the efforts of all those who aspire to see Christian values in European society. The idea of erasing Christian values, traditions and language inevitably means erasing our own identity.”
The conference also addressed the growing religious illiteracy among policy makers. Participants discussed ways for churches to claim and safeguard space for faith as a legitimate part of European political discourse.
“Our societies live in a paradoxical cultural and moral situation – says Mgr. Crociata. On the one hand, they do not seem entitled to recognize the transcendent roots of the values which are the basis of our living together; on the other hand, they need a common philosophy to maintain some sort of unity and coherence.
“The Churches have the opportunity and the responsibility to give our societies the hope of not losing the memory of the roots which give life to the values which unite our communities”, Mgr. Mariano Crociata continued.
The president of COMECE also addressed the theme of populism and its various impacts on current European political and social life.
“Populism is based on a relationship – or supposed relationship – between governments and citizens, without any social mediation. In this way, governments occupy all political space, while people are left at the mercy of everyone, in perfect isolation, which today has a precise name: individualism. “he stated.
The event was also an opportunity to officially sign the declaration “Europe, Be Yourself!” – A speech to European institutions, MEP candidates and political parties published in March 2024. The declaration is accessible here.
The conference was held from May 15 to 17, 2024. It is organized by the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) in cooperation with the Conference of European Churches (KEK), the Interparliamentary Assembly for Orthodoxy , the Holy Metropolis. of Thessaloniki and the School of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Originally published in The European Times.
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