Growing together

Three days of debates, reflections and food for thought characterized the seminar held in Cyprus September 3-5, promoted by the "Caritas in Veritate" Commission of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, devoted to social cohesion. The meeting was followed by SIR Europe correspondent Nike Giurlani. Participants jointly declared that "a united Europe should not forget its Christian roots", and reiterated that "the Church can and must be part of the debate on social cohesion, in fact its contribution is crucial". As underlined by cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genoa, CEI president and CCEE vice-president (along with Msgr. Józef Michalik, archbishop of Przemyœl-Poland) "the Church has a great message to convey as regards social questions and the good of society as a whole, thanks to the Social Doctrine of the Church: the compendium of the implications at cultural, social, economic and political level – notably anthropological – of the mystery of Christ and the Gospel". Thus the seminar held under the auspices of CCEE (www.ccee.ch), in conjunction with COMECE, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (www.comece.org) wishes to respond to this need. European Catholic Churches, pointed out cardinal Bagnasco, "deeply feel their mission at service of evangelization, in the awareness that within the Gospel lies the elevation of the human person and of human society".A culture of diversity. Expanding the concept of social cohesion and referring to the words of the Holy Scriptures, Andreas Pitsillides, Professor of Theology, member of the Parliamente of Cyprus, launched an important message in favour of multiculturality. It is no coincidence that such an important theme is promoted in Cyprus, a land that is an example for all of Europe, since "we can’t speak of social cohesion if the concept of integration is lacking". For this purpose the theologian called for an ever-greater commitment by everyone to create a "culture of diversity". To this regard, added Pitsillides, "the commitment and the mission of the Catholic Church in the promotion of social cohesion in Europe is crucial, and in order to reach this goal it’s important to communicate with others, keeping pace with the challenges of all epochs". The floor was then given to Marios Mavrides, also a member of Parliament and associate professor at the European University in Cyprus. In his address, titled "Building a just society: an economic perspective", he explained that "despite the significant steps made to fight injustices, poverty and inequalities have not yet been defeated". In his closing remarks he added: "Building a just society is not easy, but this is not a closed-end project. We must aim higher and higher. But we will never reach perfection".An integral perspective. Msgr. Giampaolo Crepaldi, president of the CCEE Commission that promoted the seminar was tasked with retracing the highlights of the meeting. With his address titled "Towards a roadmap for the ‘Caritas in veritate’ Commission", Msgr. Crepaldi focused his attention on three main themes that emerged: the identity of CCEE and COMECE bodies, the adoption of the social doctrine of the Church, and Europe. "I apologise – he said – if the ‘roadmap’ is marked by more questions than answers, but I believe that raising the right questions is the best way to find the right answers". Msgr. Gianni Ambrosio, bishop of Piacenza, one of four COMECE vice-presidents, president of the COMECE Commission on social issues, highlighted the various expressions of social cohesion emerged during the meeting. "In my opinion – said Msgr. Ambrosio – this theme ought to be tackled bearing in mind the whole picture, preserving an integral perspective while distinguishing the various problems. Finally, I think it’s important to highlight the cultural and political vision of this concept, referring also to the statements of the founding fathers of Europe". In his closing remarks, Msgr. Ambrosio reminded participants of the important gathering of the second "European Social Days" due to be held in Spain, Granada, in the coming year, with the involvement of CCEE, COMECE, and all European Churches.The great gift. Finally, a message of hope was launched by the Maronite Archbishop in Cyprus, Youssef Soueif, who recalled that Europe is coming to grips with a set of difficult situations. "The economic crisis – he said – is a heavy ordeal, but battles, including economic struggles, ought to be overcome in the Spirit of Christ, the Only One capable of transforming difficulties into grace and blessings". As Cardinal Bagnasco said: "Europe is the original womb of Christianity. It is a great gift that should not be neglected".