“We wish to reaffirm our support to the European Union (EU) in the supreme interest of our people”: so declares a statement issued by the Irish Catholic bishops reaffirming their support to the EU in preparation for the referendum that will call the Irish to vote on the ratification of the Treaty of Nice on 19 October. “The aim of the EU says the statement is that of seeking the common good and justice. European integration is far more than a political and economic choice. It is a significant contribution to peace in the world”. But in spite of that, say the Irish bishops, “the UE remains remote and misunderstood among many of our people. Too often it is seen simply as an economic market rather than a community where values of mutual respect, justice and solidarity are promoted. Together with the European bishops we have for years been engaged in trying to ensure that the Christian heritage of Europe and its moral and social values be present in the life of the EU. This is a task that will continue”. “The issues contained in the Treaty of Nice conclude the bishops are important for the future of Europe. That’s why it’s vital that everyone be well informed in expressing their own vote in the referendum”: a vote that ” seems to us may be in favour of the Treaty, rather than against it”.
