At the heart of the project

With the interview to Msgr. Jean Kockerols, auxiliary bishop of Brussels, SIR Europe continues the special features dedicated to the reflections of European Bishops on the process of European integration and on Church though on the European common home. (Cf. SIR Europe 62-63-64-65-66-67-69-71-75-76-77-78-79-82).What opinion and expectations do Catholics in your country have regarding the European Union? “Belgium is one of the 6 founding countries of the European Union. It can be said that in Belgium, Europe is part of the furnishings. Belgian people have a remarkable European conscience. They are proud to feel they’re at the heart of the European project. And in fact they’re right. Without Europe the rest of the world wouldn’t know Brussels any better than other big cities such as Bordeaux or Seville. There are no euroskepticals in Belgium. Also Flemish independent groups proclaim their European membership! Belgians’ major expectations regarding the European Union are linked to the preservation of peace and the development of prosperity. Belgian people have vivid memories of the wars that took place on its land: a crossroads of strife. Moreover, Belgian economy is heavily dependant on foreign trade. Belgians need Europe”.The public opinion is based on correct information. Do you believe that adequate information regarding EU institutions and European Churches is available in your country? “Belgium has the same partial information characterizing other European Union countries. Sensationalist news often prevails. The media fail to relay the messages of the universal Church in full. At diocesan level we recently had to face a great deal of pressure by the media. We need to analyze our communication tools, whereby developing a consistent and efficient approach aimed at establishing fruitful relations with the media world”.What contribution can the Church in your Country give to Europe? “In my capacities as auxiliary bishop of this city, I will focus my answer on Brussels. Our capital is emblematic of what Europe is, namely, an area of dialogue between peoples and cultures. The challenge of the Church in Brussels consists in ‘being a Church’ amidst such diversity, far from Babel but in the spirit of Pentecost. Our effort is to live a Church of Pentecost. Europe plays its cards within our Church. Multiculturalism isn’t an option, it’s a necessity! In Brussels, the Church could only be ‘Catholic”, namely, universal. In the municipality of Schaerbeek, to the north of Brussels, there are at least 100 different nationalities! We strive to raise Belgian people’s awareness to this regard. Various initiatives are aimed at bringing together the multi-cultural communities, such as joint celebrations, evangelical sharing, occasions for encounter such as the European Catholic Foyer or the Europe Street Centre, as well as the international Mass celebrated each year in the different charismas of national communities. In particular, we appreciate, for example, the musical animation of the Spanish-speaking community. Recently, the idea was launched to celebrate a Mass with a special focus on Europe. This initiative was carried out on the initiative of the Hungarian followed by the Polish presidencies. I hope it continues, but under the auspices of the Church of Brussels”.What do you think about the work carried out by European Churches in the EU so far? “Like many Belgians, I was unaware of the existence of COMECE before becoming a bishop. I discovered a qualified working group that is relentless in its presentation of the Church’s perspective on a wide range of important issues. We receive many reports (in Italian, English and German). As relates to us bishops, I must say that given the multifarious issues, along with the rapid pace at which topical events are relayed, it’s hard to find the time to delve into everything. It takes time to get accustomed to it and grasp the matter at stake. I have faith in the équipe of COMECE experts, in particular their sense of discernment. This is the challenge of our work. The European Union is an area that prompts deep reflection. We must discern which area of the debates we wish to address. COMECE must continue its twofold mission: acting as a bridge between the Churches and Europe and its institutions, and viceversa”.