A ”Christian” crisis?

"A Christian crisis of Europe? European emergency". It is the theme of the annual colloquium promoted in Paris, November 16-17, by the "Académie Catholique de France". Among the panel speakers figure: Philippe Capelle-Dumont, president of the "Académie", Jean-Arnold de Clermont, president emeritus of Conference of the European Churches (CEC), cardinal Paul Poupard, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture; Andrea Riccardi, Italian minister for International Cooperation and Integration, president of the "College des Bernardins" for the period 2012-2014. Upon the opening of the meeting, Sarah Numico, for SIR Europe, interviewed Jean-Dominique Durand, professor of contemporary history at the University of Lyon.Why is the crisis a theme of the meeting?"We wish to promote a reflection on the future of Europe, starting with the situation as it is today, which isn’t only marked by an economic, financial and institutional crisis, but also by a Christian crisis. Christians are no longer actively engaged. They were the engines in the history of Europe. Just think of the founding fathers… Then enthusiasm waned, and Christians today are no longer committed as they were in the past and are much more visible. Personalities such as President Van Rompuy belong to the Christian tradition, but what is his role? Who is the representative of Europe? In whose hands will the recently appointed prize be handed to? Where are Christian commitment and tradition to be found today? The Christian crisis of Europe is also a crisis in mobilization and faith. Reflecting and trying to understand the reasons underlying this situation is thus a theme of the Colloquium". What do you mean with the words "giving Europe a soul?" "This famous phrase was conceived by Jacques Delors. It was reiterated by Cardinal Martini, who spoke of a "Europe of the spirit", meaning that Europe isn’t only economy, currency, legislation. It is also a new ideal thrust. Martin Schuman’s appeal of May 9 1950 proposed an economic decision. In reality, it was a political as well as a spiritual decision. It represented a step in the direction of forgiveness and mutual solidarity between nations. Today it appears that that spiritual thrust has been lost, the motivations to overcome problems and create a new spirit for Europe is lacking. There is a want of a culture based on ‘being European’". Institutions may not be enough "to give a soul". Maybe people are needed… "It’s hard to say who is the one who must assume this commitment. Moreover, I belive that Churches and Christian faithful have a special responsibility in recovering this idea. I think there is also the need to unite Christians around the fundamental question: if Europe fails to acknowledge its origins, there will be a real problem for her future".Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue: how do you value in your reflections these two important realms? "These themes will be the object of a dedicated reflection in the Colloquium. The first reflection regards Christian unity. It is necessary to prompt the emergence of a common vision on the Christian founding values of Europe. The second question is related to the presence of Islam, a theme that Europeans are concerned about, since they see a new religion taking grounds in Europe, which represents most of all a psychological problem. Populists and nationalists use this apprehesion to foment sentiments of fears towards Europe. Interreligious dialogue is thus an absolute need, to learn more about one another, and it is also an important challenge for the future of Europe, since we’ll do it together".You have identified the family, bioethics, migrations and social and market policies and the main challenges for Christians… "The family and bioethics are two realms that are witnessing and anthropologic revolution. Legislation on homosexual unions, already adopted or undergoing debate in many European countries, such as France in the past weeks, show that the society’s foundations are being questioned. This is a real problem that requires a reflection. To speak of economy today means seeking the roads to recover principles of wisdom and responsibility, in a Europe that has become ‘crazy’ as relates to the economy and finance. Migration today implies the presence of Islam in Europe, which means reception, thus a great challenge for Christians, called to live the Gospel".