The European bishops intervene on the issues of bioethics and outline a programme of work for the years ahead Protection of life, evangelization in the countries of Eastern Europe, ecumenical dialogue: these were the three main themes tackled by the secretaries of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe gathered in Prague from 21 to 25 June. Convened on the initiative of the CCEE (Council of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe), the European meeting witnessed among other things the change of guard between the outgoing presidency that led the CCEE from 1993 to 2001 (Card. Miloslav Vlk, Prague, Card. Karl Lehmann, Mainz and Archbishop István Seregély, Hungary) and the new presidency, elected in Strasbourg on 18 April 2001 (Msgr. Amédée Grab, Coira, Card. Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Westminster and Msgr. Josip Bozanic, Zagreb). The segretaries also outlined the “major priorities” for the future action of the CCEE: “developing the collegiality between the Episcopal Conferences; proceeding further along the path of ecumenical dialogue, especially by collaborating with the KEK (the Conferences of the Churches of Europe); serving the proclamation of the Gospel in a pluralist Europe; contributing to the process of European unification, and strengthening liaison with Comece (the Commission of the Episcopates of the European Union) and with the Holy See”. One important project still at the planning stage is the symposium of European bishops scheduled to be held in Rome from 24 to 28 April 2002 on the theme: “Young People of Europe in a changing environment. Laboratory of the faith”. Apart from a hundred or so bishops and other guests, a young person from each country in Europe will also participate. Biotechnologies, euthanasia, the family. “Conscious of the fact that the future of Europe and of humanity will be decided on these themes, the Episcopal Conferences feel their responsibility to be ‘sentinels of life’ and to take action at the cultural, pastoral and also at the legislative levels”. So declares the CCEE in its final communiqué which was released at the end of its meeting in Prague, where the various pro-life initiatives of the European Churches were presented. In Germany – the press release notes – the Episcopal Conference has “authoritatively” entered into the heated debate about the issues of biomedicine and biotechnologies, reaffirming “the inseparability between the beginning of life and the beginning of human dignity”. In Belgium – in response to the world’s most liberal legislation on euthanasia – the Church has forcefully re-proposed “the alternative of the accompaniment of the terminally ill, of palliative treatment and of a reaffirmation of the meaning of life in all its phases”. In France, the social commission of the bishops has urged “a commitment within the European institutions aimed at ensuring that prostitution be not considered a ‘normal’ profession. May the 21st century – such is the hope expressed by the European Churches – see the end of this curse!”. The bishops also note the fact that the attacks on the concept of the family are increasing. In Holland, for example, “homosexual couples have the right to adoption”. Eastern Europe and ecumenism. The second theme tackled by the secretaries was the situation of the Churches in the countries formerly subject to Communist ideology. The Churches in question register a growth of interest in religion, but also a widespread “nostalgia for Communism”, especially due to the economic situation and the loss of memory of the persecutions of the Communist period. “The Church’s contribution – says the press release of the CCEE – is particularly appreciated on the themes of solidarity and freedom”. But the situation demands “an evangelization of new quality”, “the creation of living communities” and a greater commitment by the laity. At their meeting in Prague the secretary generals had a “lively” discussion on the ecumenical Charter signed at Strasbourg on 22 April this year. The Charter has been called an “embryonic creation which must be developed especially through reflections, decisions and activities at the local level” and must now confront itself with life. “It emerged from the debate – the CCEE notes – that all the Conferences intend to grasp the chance of the Charter to make a determined step forward in the process of reconciliation between the Christians in Europe”.¤
