Open to the rest of the world

With the interview to Msgr. Amândio José Tomás, bishop Vila Real (Portugal), COMECE member until 2011, continues the special features dedicated to the reflections of European Bishops on the European integration process and Church thought regarding 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 – 01/2012).What are Portuguese Catholics’ opinions and expectations vis a vis the European Union? “I could start by quoting from Garibaldi: ‘we have made Italy, now we must make Italians’. The European Union is a beautiful project that sprung from Schuman’s initiative, providing a major contribution to historical developments in recent decades. Let it suffice to think that for over 50 years there has been peace throughout Europe. The single currency and free trade within open borders are major achievements. When Portugal became a member of the European Union the reaction was of great enthusiasm since it entailed funding, and funding is always welcome. However, the EU project entails rights and duties alike, and funding money hasn’t always been used for everyone’s good but for personal interests. As a result, we are now experiencing a period of financial recession and while government measures are aimed at sacrifice, equality and transparency many start distancing themselves from Europe. But the European project cannot be viewed only from a purely economic angle. If there is mistrust towards this all-embracing project then we have to commit ourselves to ensure that the European Union, its structures and decisions, are appreciated and that people become persuaded that with EU adhesion we enter a solidarity project rooted in Jewish-Christian values. A Europe without a soul, founded on economic principles only, is a Europe without a project and without a future”. Public opinion is based on correct information: do you think that in your reality there is appropriate information on EU institutions and European Churches? “There is information but in my view it’s insufficient. Much more should be done to make known how Europe was born and for which purpose it was created. This information is important, as people understand that Europe isn’t there because someone hit the jackpot. It is a project that it is worthwhile pursuing, even if it demands sacrifices. Europe is a way of living of our times, it is a way of living in a global world where networking is important. The European project marked the end of divisions, rivalries between peoples that characterized past century history, presenting a model of coexistence to the rest of the world: a project of peace, development and civilization. But a Europe without a soul, without the Christian matrix, amounts to nothing. It fades out and falls into the same chasm that leads to conflict”.What contribution can the Church in your Country give Europe? “The contribution that the Portuguese Church gives to Europe is first of all its presence within European structures through COMECE. It is committed in the conscience formation of its members, Portuguese Catholics, regarding solidarity towards others, the spirit of mission, networking. Portugal’s own history encompasses openness towards the rest of the world. Since the 16th century ours has been a country that migrated across the world. A million people ventured out to sea with small vessels giving a new world to the world. Owing to this historical daily exchange with the countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia, we can act as Europe’s bridge towards the Southern hemisphere. We did it in our missions, but we can do it also in all other fields. This could be the specific contribution of a small country like Portugal, which lies at the extreme boundaries of Europe, overlooking the ocean”. What is your balance of the work conducted by European Churches in the EU to date? “I believe that the Church’s presence in Europe, in Brussels through COMECE, is positive as it promotes dialogue with European institutions, providing information on their activity and communicating what ought to be done in the light of the social doctrine of the Church and of the universal human values whereby everyone can identify oneself overcoming geographic or ideological identities. This is what the COMECE staff has done in the past and is still doing in Brussels. The EU is an enormous structure that must be known from within and which demands soul-bearing guidance. That’s why it’s importance that also in these structures there is a voice capable of saying what are the essential values that must be present within the European community. Human dignity and respect for others are rooted in Christianity but the Church must give them to the rest of the world since they are the soul of the world”.