The thought of the Churches

A meeting of the representatives of Christian Churches in Brussels on Friday, December 14, sets to outline a credible and decisive "economic" proposal in these times of crisis, as stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty with regard to a "social market economy". The event is promoted by the European Commission, the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and by COMECE, the Commission that brings together the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community. "The present crisis in the euro-zone along with weaknesses and structural inequalities within the EU highlight the urgency of this debate", COMECE and CEC wrote in a statement. Panel speakers include the bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio, Msgr. Gianni Ambrosio, COMECE Vice-President. Maria Chiara Biagioni interviewed him for SIR Europe. It appears that Europe has betrayed its ideals of justice and solidarity. Why? "The causes are many and the risks of oversimplification are serious. I will start with the fact, often forgotten, that the economic and financial crisis is not only European. Rather, it involves all advanced economies. Of course, the so-called sovereign debt has its epicenter in Europe, but the problem is global and it affects everyone, thus eliminating the confidence that the economy needs. The second fact, that should be remembered, is the seriousness of the crisis we have been experiencing over the past four years: it is the worst crisis since the Second World War. However, it should be remembered that since the establishment of the single European currency 14 million jobs have been created in the euro area, while in the same period in the U.S. only 8 million were created. Let us also bear in mind that national governments manage economic, fiscal and budgetary policies. Thus the responsibility of certain situations should not be ascribed to the EU. While monetary policy is over-nationalized, economic policy is decided at national level, according to strict standards set by monetary policies and approved by all member countries. This makes consultation and cooperation difficult, as a political-economic system is lacking. But we should not fall into limited views, as when it is affirmed that local solutions could be found to global problems. Anti-European populism is dangerous as well as short-sighted. Many ‘powers’ extend not only beyond nation-states, but also beyond the very framework of the EU. Finally, leaving aside the various political and economic reasons, it must be recognized that a lack of European passion has caused delays. A weakening in the significance of the European mission, after the tragedy of two world wars, has triggered widespread uncertainty". What is the Churches’ "proposal" for contemporary Europe? "The Church does not have an economic proposal in the technical sense. The EU has set itself the goal of being ‘a highly competitive social market economy’. COMECE intervened with a statement titled ‘A European community of solidarity and responsibility’ to contribute to the debate on the objectives of the idea of ​​Europe, which cannot be limited to economic growth and balanced budgets. It is necessary to foster a social and political vision that will reaffirm ‘the principle of free market and the tool of competitive economy along with the principle of solidarity and the mechanisms of social justice’ (Declaration no. 1), i.e. an overarching social protection guaranteed by the state. This horizon is of great importance for Europe, but this horizon should be given substance and concreteness". How much is the voice of the Church listened to by government and financial leaders?"It’s hard to know how much the Church’s voice is being heard. Attention is shown on the part of government leaders and even Commissions, while financial players are more elusive, more distant, more deaf. Without going into the strained relations between Germany and Greece, it should be said that one of the main causes of the sovereign debt crisis in the euro area lies in the fact that some national governments have conducted a foolish economic and budgetary policy, which doesn’t correspond to monetary policy objectives. This has created huge budget deficits and high levels of indebtedness. National governments should have been more virtuous, more serious, more far-sighted. Now the question is how to address these difficult situations in the short term without affecting social cohesion, in a spirit of solidarity and with sense of responsibility for our common future". The European Union has been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for Peace. Is it an award for what it has done or is it a wish to do better and more? "It is a significant recognition for the progress made towards peace and reconciliation after the Second World War. Thanks to the ideal of the founding fathers of the Community, Europe has guaranteed peace and stability at home and has fostered peace in relations with other countries. We hope this award will give force to what remains to be done not only economically and politically, but also – and especially – in reference to the original project of the founding fathers. It could be said that curiously enough, the Nobel laureate wants to invite the EU to rediscover its roots and its values. Echoing the words of the President of COMECE, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the Nobel Prize is a ‘clear signal that confirms that Europe, in the words of Jean Monnet, can make a contribution to a better world’. For better world must work hard all European citizens, Christians and the whole Church in particular".