A new mission

Europe was a protagonist of the 25th International Meeting of Prayer for Peace (Munich September 11-13), titled “Bound to live together”, promoted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Repeatedly called into question, remembered in its Christian roots, in its ability to overcome conflicts and divisions, Europe was central in many speeches, including the address delivered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a highlight of the interreligious gathering. “We must not fail to remember our shared European values, those which enabled the establishment of our Constitution, that would have greatly benefited from the mention of the Christian roots of Europe”, Merkel said. “The European home wasn’t created in a day, it experienced wars and divisions, which it overcame. And the Churches have made a major contribution in this direction”. This is a message of hope, which Europe is called to transmit to other countries in the belief that “war is the mother of poverty, while peace is the cradle of development”. The theme of Europe’s mission in the world was addressed by other speakers such as Maram Stern, vice-Secretary general of the World Jewish Congress, and Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, who opened the plenary assembly on September 12. Follow excerpts of the two speeches. “Europe should be a global protagonist, and not withdraw … It is expected that Europe assume greater responsibilities at international level. This is a problem, since in a concert not everyone can be first violin. There are far to many solos in European politics and too few musicians that are willing to give up their personal ambitions for the benefit of the orchestra. Because of such egoistic positions, European institutions are not in full gear, and regrettably so, since the establishment of the Council of Europe and the gradual building of the EU have been – and continue being – a successful model that brought reconciliation across the continent. Europe has created a vast array of political and diplomatic instruments aimed at support and integration. It posesses the tools to establish international agreements, to provide financial and humanitarian support, etc… Still, institutions’ diplomatic and political thrust is often inefficient, while because of competence clashes and political pettiness Europe is losing its ability to action. In November 2009 the new President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy reminded us that Europe is a community based on shared values, which is called to play an important role at global level. Given the current state of affairs, a lot still needs to be done. What should Europe – understood not as the EU but rather, Europe as a whole, – what should it do? First of all, I believe that Europe can act as a spearhead only if it undertakes a reflection on its social and cultural traditions, no longer acting as a passive observer of world events by becoming a protagonist. Our world is experiencing dramatic political, economic and social transformations, although the wealthy and stable Europe fails to acknowledge them at full. In our ever more interactive world, where everything unfolds at an increasingly rapid pace, it is no longer possible to address serious problems, such as the question of refugees seeking shelter through our borders, only when they become emergencies. Rather, in order to prevent future crises, we must act ahead of time, with a global outlook. Europe understood as a ‘political venture’ is facing major challenges regarding its future, its image in the continent and across the world”.(Maram Stern, deputy Secretary General, World Jewish Congress)“Until now Europe has been an example for the rest of the world … Democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, as known, are among Europe’s most successfully exported “goods”. These values and principles, treasured throughout Europe in the past and in the present times, have inspired men and women worldwide in their struggles for freedom and human dignity. (…) After the carnage of the war and of the Holocaust Europe underwent a progressive transformation. Its new mission became increasingly evident: namely, it was called to spread democracy, peace and the protection of mankind – whilst promoting the rights of minorities at global level. It is my belief that this is the major mission of Europe in the world. Europe isn’t the world’s watchdog. Rather, Europe is called to contribute to the global affirmation of its very spiritual heritage, which constitutes the foundations which enabled the establishment of peace and prosperity across the continent”. (Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio)