Enhancing the role of the laity” “

The study conference of the European Forum of the national committees of the laity, organized by the central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK – Catholic Action), held at Erfurt in Germany, ended on 3 July. Over the years, the Forum – to which belong members coming from twenty-one European countries – has devoted attention to analyzing important religious and social questions relating to the life of European Catholics. Approximately 120 representatives of Catholic lay organizations from 25 European countries participated in the meeting. Also present was Bishop Joachim Wanke of Erfurt, the former East German city that hosted the Forum. Hans Joachim Meyer , president of the ZdK, described for us the positions and activities of Catholic Action in Germany today. “Building a Europe of values: the contribution of the Catholic laity” was the slogan of this meeting. What does the ZdK propose? “Europe is a community that has historically been developed especially at the cultural level. Alongside the heritage of Antiquity and the European Enlightenment, Christianity represents the decisive factor that has marked and continues to distinguish the spiritual face of Europe. Without the Judaeo-Christian tradition, Europe would not have achieved its own historical and cultural greatness. The future European Constitution must reflect this reality. Modern Europe, too, is a community of values, as well as an economic community: only on this basis can a stable European democracy be developed. Christians share with many people of other confessions and religious convictions the consciousness of having a responsibility to God and to man. Therefore, the ZdK, together with many Catholics of the other countries of Europe, is asking that the future treaty of the European Union contain a reference to the importance of the Christian tradition”. What are the ZdK’s proposals to German Christians with a view to a new evangelization of Europe? “The ZdK’s main task consists in diffusing a Catholic point of view on the problems and challenges of society, taking its cue from the Gospel: this especially takes place through the special Catholic jamborees that we organize (the Katholikentage). These are by now well-consolidated events that are held in Germany every two years. They are attended by tens of thousands of Catholics to reinforce their own faith, confirm their own Christian commitment in society and discuss topical questions of the moment. In this regard, the Committee has intervened in a clear way right from the beginning of the ethical debate on the consequences of progress in the biomedical field, and has clearly pronounced in favour of the unconditional respect for human life. In doing so, we wish to express also for the benefit of those outside the Church that life and human dignity have a solid basis in Christian faith and that all of us were created in the image and likeness of God and have been saved by Jesus Christ”. What are the ZdK’s initiatives in the context of ecumenism in Germany? “The ZdK and the Katholikentage have long been in contact with the organizing committee of the similar assemblies held by the German Evangelic Church. We have now decided to celebrate an ecumenical Day of the Church in Berlin in 2003. It will be characterized by the common witness of the Christian faith”. What may the laity do at the practical level to make a bigger contribution to the parishes, especially where the number of priests is insufficient? “The laity are very active in all the parishes and in all the sectors of the life of the Catholic Church in Germany. Many parishes and many sectors of activity of the Church would not exist without the responsible involvement of the laity. Every day, and throughout the country, the German situation shows that the Church is composed of all the faithful. In this context we have also urged a greater participation of the laity in the choice of their own bishops, as happened in the Church centuries ago”. Mercede Succa¤