A wide-ranging exchange of views between the bishops from both shores of the Atlantic is due to be held in Brussels from Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 September. Promoted by Comece (Commission of the episcopates of the European Community) and Usccb (US Catholic Bishops’ Conference), the meeting is aimed at discussing the most urgent issues of international life, the problems linked to the development of the poor countries, the challenge of globalization and the possible contribution of believers. The bishops will also discuss: global security, the ethics of war and peace, the role of international law; religious freedom and the relations between Islam and Christianity; the Balkans, common responsibility; migrations, refugees and right of asylum; the situation in the Holy Land; Africa and the fight against poverty; religion and public life in Europe and the Usa. The purpose of the meeting is also to seek potential areas of cooperation between the European Christian and American communities. The meeting will be chaired by Comece President, Bishop Joseph Homeyer, and Usccb President, Bishop John Ricard. A final document is expected at the end of the work.
