A style and a model

With the interview to Msgr. Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of Cyprus of the Maronites, 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 62-63-64-65-66-67-69-71-75-76-77-78-79-82-83-84-85/2011).What opinions and expectations do Catholics in your country have regarding the European Union? “In addition to its involvement in humanitarian, cultural and social projects, Catholics expect the EU to work for the cause of Cyprus in general and for the situation of Maronite villages in particular, to help people return to their village of origin. Maronites should be going back to their villages under some kind of arrangement protecting their rights as a small religious group and minority, which would otherwise become assimilated into the larger community, considering the current phase in the Cypriot issue. For this reason, a particular arrangement would be useful on humanitarian grounds. In this way, Maronites will preserve their identity as well as contribute to the great Cypriot multicultural heritage. In this context, access to churches and monasteries in the Northern part of the island and in military zones becomes vital. If the EU works in this direction, it will contribute to the establishment of European values”.Consensus is based on correct information: considering your daily experience, do you believe that information on the EU and EU churches is adequate? “Ideas about Europe are mostly related to the criteria that Cyprus is trying to implement in its social, economic, cultural structure and elsewhere ; they also have to do with the fact that European institutions might favor the development of civil society through various kinds of projects. People are not aware of Churches as much; this requires mobilisation and an action plan in a dynamic interaction between the local Church and the broader organization”.How can the Church in your country contribute to the European Union’s development? “Her role can be described as follows: She acts as a real ecclesial, cultural and geosocial bridge between the Middle East and Europe. She can testify to a cultural dialogue in the current geoecclesial and geodemographic scenario, in its ecumenical and religious aspects. She can offer Europe a model of social life where family values have an important place in both society and individual lives. She can be a model of diversity in unity. She can prompt Europe to rise up to the challenges of peace and justice”.What do you think about the work carried out by European Churches in the EU so far?“Churches in the EU, through her various structures: Attempt to testify to the spirit of unity in diversity, both at the theological as well as the social and cultural level. They follow and positively scrutinize the development of programs launched by EU institutions, conveying the message of faith and the spiritual dimension of human life.They try to testify to the spirit of cooperation among themselves and between themselves and civil institutions, proving on the one hand the separation between Church and State as well as openness and cooperation for the common good and citizens’ welfare. They are asked to clarify the Church’s teachings concerning religious, social, bioethical and other issues whenever they go against such teachings and when respect for the human person is being challenged. The role of the Church and her mission are meant to testify to Christ’s resurrection in the world by living out the values of the Gospel in human society, relying on the salt of the earth and the light of the world. She helps Man find the meaning of life and true happiness that is found in God and in mutual love”.