COMECE
“European identity: politics, society, religion” is the theme of the Seventh Summer University now being held in Graz (Austria), until 16 September. Promoted by COMECE (Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community) in partnership with Karl Franzen University in Graz and the diocese of Graz-Seckau, the summer school, which opened on 2nd September, is being attended by 82 university students from 25 European countries. “I am certain and wish with all my heart that this summer university will have great success among all the students and participants, for the good of the European Union”, wrote the President of COMECE and bishop of Rotterdam, the Most Rev. Adrianus Van Luyn, in his message to the participants. The programme of this year’s meeting, consisting of a mix of lectures and debates, presents three innovations: variety of contents (including juridical, theological and economic seminars), interfaith approach and diversity in the choice of participants, no longer staff of the European Bishops’ Conferences, but students of various university faculties. The keynote address on the European identity was entrusted to Thomas Meyer (University of Dortmund); Ahmet Alibasic (Sarajevo) will speak of Islam, while the theme of the Jewish identity will be treated by Alfred Bodenheimer (Heidelberg).
