Responding to fear

The etymology of the word "crisis" comes form Greek (êñßóéò). One of its meanings is to decide, to choose. "In fact, Europe today is facing a choice – said Msgr. Jean Kockerols, auxiliary bishop of Brussels-Malines, one of four Vice-Presidents of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) – and this doesn’t necessarily entail a catastrophic approach". Rather, "the crisis should be seen as a time for a reconsideration, for change, a time for the development of Europe and its citizens". The challenges that the EU is called to address, in the light of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, were debated by participants in the COMECE autumn Plenary Assembly (November 21-23). Msgr. Kockerols recalled: "in this moment the Church is called to give her contribution to build a new model of Europe". Now that pessimism seems to take over is a momentous time for the rediscovery of Christian values and ideals, of hope in particular: "Europe is in a state of crisis, but its founding project continues to thrive. We must recover confidence in Europe and in solidarity". Nike Giurlani interviewed Msgr. Kockerols for Sir Europe.Often, when presenting the cultural situation in Europe alarmed and pessimistic tones seem to prevail, especially as relates to bioethics, the family and religious freedom. Aren’t there also sign of hope, faith and optimism? "Rather than speaking of optimism and pessimism I prefer the dichotomy faith/fear. European citizens are living a delicate historical moment, whereby the ongoing economic crisis worsens a widespread fear of the future. Every day European citizens are called to address important questions on their future, on the future perspectives of the next generations. Present times are marked by a deep sense of loss and lack of confidence towards others and towards the system. This is where the Church is called to give her contribution: to provide support to those who don’t know what to do, who feel lost, to those who day after day are losing all hopes".Is Catholic laity in Europe sufficiently aware of its historical role in the building of the common home, or is it conditioned by widespread skepticism? "I think that each one of us, believers and non-believers alike, must recover our role within the polis. We all play an important role at European level and within the communities we are members of. The tie linking local, national and supranational realms ought to be stepped up. We must remember that 80% of all laws are drawn up in Brussels. These laws are addressed to the European population as a whole". Which objectives should be pursued?"We ought to be engaged to step up dialogue, disseminate truthful information and raise-awareness for the development of a European vision. Citizens must not perceive Europe as a reality in itself but as a large family that we all belong to. Only by being united and working together for our future we will reach the objectives we had established. On the other hand also legislators must have at heart the future of European citizens. It is crucial to promote mutual exchange and debate between these two worlds, so they may not be perceived as distant".The presence of competent and motivated Christians inside European institutions is necessary to "give Europe a soul". Don’t you think we should do much more – on the cultural and educational plane – on the part of the Catholic Church so that this presence may be credible and effective? "Both Church and COMECE should be committed to pay greater attention to formation and communication. Without an in-depth research into problems and mechanisms, unless we are fully aware of what lies ahead, we are bound to continue making the same mistakes. Conversely, I think it should be in everyone’s interest to analyze, reflect and understand the questions as they come to the fore, while far too often we tend to act impulsively".What are the risks we could incur in otherwise? "The major threat underlying this foggy situation, preventing the core of the question to emerge, leads to growing insecurity that favors the development of populist and nationalistic ideologies". How could we prevent triggering negative mechanisms? "By recovering our belief in democracy, rediscovering ideas and values which after World War Two have led peoples to come together under the banner of peace and brotherhood. The creation of a common European home, established over fifty years ago, remains an important objective. We can’t just stand and look as its foundations collapse. Together, each one of giving its own contribution, we can reaffirm the solidity of these foundations and contribute to its development and improvement. This is true also for Christians, since speaking with a single voice would enable us to be stronger and more incisive".