Representatives of the Christian Churches in Europe met the Irish prime minister and current President of the European Council, Bertie Ahern, in Dublin on 11 March. The delegation of the European Churches was composed of the representatives of the “Church and Society” Commission of the CEC and of COMECE. The representatives of the Christian Churches insisted on the fact that “an open and inclusive reference to Christianity in the preamble” of the new European Constitution, that would recognise “as an historical fact the contribution made to Europe by Christianity without claiming any privilege for itself, could help many European citizens to identify more easily with the Union”. The Churches also thanked the current EU Presidency for the efforts it has made with a view to a “full and effective integration of the ten new member states due to enter the Union on 1st May. “This will be they said an historic stage towards peace and unity for our European continent”. The members of the delegation also asked Ahern to place the emphasis on social inclusion, the fight against poverty and support for the family at the Summit in Brussels on economic growth due to be held on 25/26 March. A particular reference was also made to the civil rights of refugees and asylum seekers. According to the Churches, policies on immigration and asylum are “a priority in the framework of the common policy of the Union”.
