No to radicalism. The way of dialogue

A univocal message was conveyed by the major faith communities in Europe: dialogue is the only possible answer to the external and internal “twofold threat” that encompasses on the one side the rise of pseudo-religious radicalism and egoistic nationalisms, and closures on the other. Dialogue is the result of relentless dedication, mutual dialogue, sharing of universal values, cross-cultural education, daily coexistence and development of “joint projects”. Namely, a dialogue that “looks at the future”. These were the highlights of the international conference held Tuesday, March 24 at the EU Parliament seat in Brussels, titled “The rise of religious radicalism and fundamentalism and the role of inter-religious dialogue for the promotion of tolerance and the respect of human dignity”. An intense debate session took place in the afternoon, featuring panel speeches by representatives of EU institutions and religious leaders of EU28 countries, in the framework of the EU-religions dialogue enshrined in article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon. Peace, solidarity, support. “Those who shoot in the name of God, shoot against God”, said Antonio Tajani, vice-President of the European Parliament, who opened the conference stating that “Europe is going through a difficult period”, threatened by terror attacks and for this, it “reflects on its values and on its future”. The incumbent danger represented by the Caliphate, in the Middle East and in the Northern Africa, reaches all the way up to Europe. Military actions are not enough to counter it, rather, it is necessary to strengthen the “identitarian heritage and solidarity” inside the EU, treasuring the Jewish-Christian roots of Europe, to which are added the contributions and vitalities of other faiths, starting with Judaism and Islam. It is the same EU that presses for building a community that goes beyond economic and political-institutional aspects: the downturn of the past few years, migratory movements, the emergence of xenophobia and intolerance towards religious and minorities in general, and, more recently, the pressure exerted by religiously-motivated terrorism, threaten European societies and pose serious questions to the integration process. Therein stems the belief that it is necessary to enhance religions and faith communities, which are the bearers – jointly reiterated all those present in the European Parliament – of a positive message of peace, solidarity, coexistence and mutual support. “Our strength”, aimed at the good of humanity and to “peaceful coexistence”, declared the French-Tunisian Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, “is greater than their hatred”. Building common aspirations. However, cautioned Msgr. Theodorus Hoogenboom, auxiliary bishop of Utrecht (The Netherlands), who spoke on behalf of the Commission of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community, “dialogue is not an intersection of monologues. Rather, it consists in listening to each other, in mutual understanding. It means building common aspirations and projects”. It implies “an intercultural awareness”, namely, the will of the different cultures and religions to get to know each other, respect each other and move forward together for the common good. This dialogue also requires the “regular” and “not sporadic”, involvement of political institutions on a daily basis, involving families, civil society, youth. Before the challenges posed by intolerance and violence that affect even believers of different faiths, Hoogenboom called upon “the religious leaders to fulfil their duty to promote a culture of peace” by “teaching, preaching, caring for all those who are in a state of need”. The “right to difference”. In-depth analyses of fundamentalism: Emmanuel, Orthodox metropolitan of France, remarked that “often it’s a reaction to the secularization and laicization” of our societies. Thus, it is a “global phenomenon, in the sense that it doesn’t only involve Islam”, but also, though in different dimensions and forms, “all other religious faiths, including Christianity”. Triggering a sort of short-circuit that threatens coexistence and peace, as is happening in different world regions as well as in Europe. “In this situation, all religious communities have the responsibility to take action against fundamentalism” to defend tolerance – notably the “right to difference”, in the words of the chief Rabbi of Brussels Albert Guigui – and coexistence between different peoples. The meeting saw the contribution of Reverend Robert Innes, from the Anglican community; Riccardo Di Segni, chief Rabbi of Rome; Father Patrick Daly, COMECE Secretary general; Hilde Kieboom, vice-President of the St. Egidio Community. The conclusions were delivered by Frans Timmermans, first Vice-President of the EU Commission, and by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. The latter reiterated their strong belief that the EU-Churches dialogue is critical to the strengthening of the ethical framework for the progress of the “common home”. The next meeting on this theme is tabled for June 16, in the seat of the Commission in Brussels.