The strength of Christianity

With an interview with Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich, SIR Europe is continuing its special feature dedicated to the reflections of European bishops on the process of European integration and on the Church’s thought on the European common home. What opinions and expectations do Catholics in your country have regarding the EU? “Despite the fact that a remarkable majority declares itself to be in favor of the European Union, unfortunately we must say that pro-EU enthusiasm is on the wane in Germany, not only among Catholics. This has a huge relevance in this moment in history when Europe, due to the financial crisis affecting a number of member States, is in a difficult situation. Yet, even in an economic crisis, the EU has reached good results and has given proof of its solidarity. However, it is obvious that the introduction of the common currency has not been enough to generate a true political union – only a common social and economic policy would allow for a real union among European peoples. People would also like to have more democratic instruments in Europe”. Consensus is based on correct information: considering your daily experience, do you believe that information on the EU and European Churches is adequate? “Sometimes I would hope for greater attention from the media, because every now and then many citizens tend to forget how important European unification is, in order for this continent to have a brighter future. Of course, people talk a lot about the Greek financial crisis and rescue measures, but not always in an objective way. Overall, I do believe that the media perform their duties quite well. In less troubled times, I realize how Europe is too often, albeit sometimes fittingly, portrayed as a burecucratic machine that spews out absurd provisions. In this way, we easily lose the positive vision of a united Europe and Europe itself becomes a scapegoat for individual States’ political shortcomings”. How can the Church in your country contribute to the European Union?“Europe’s past and present history would be unthinkable without Christianity’s decisive force. After World War II, Europe’s pacification and reunification would have been impossible without the notion of Christian reconciliation. Even (and especially) in the current crisis, the universal Church can highlight the supernational character of a European union. The German Bishops’ Conference has strongly spoken in favor of European unification. With increasing integration within the EU, actions should not just be limited to general principles – Catholic social doctrine should be a criterion for real-life decisions to be made in the EU’s different political domains. German bishops know quite well to what extent the EU has become important in everyday political life. This is one of the reasons why I am happy to work in COMECE”.What do you think about work carried out by European Churches in the EU so far?“I think positively! Evers since its establishment more than 30 years ago, the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has worked for Europe’s growth. We bring the standpoint of the Church’s doctrine into the political debate. This is shown by the many contacts and talks we have with the most prominent EU representatives. The issues we fight for range from keeping Sundays as holidays to supporting Southern Mediterranean countries wishing to become free societies. But there is still a long way ahead of us and we cannot reduce our commitment towards Europe – rather: the Church should be the spiritual heart of a Europe that is aware of its spiritual and religious roots”.