Christians in Europe

Spreading and knowledge of the Bible in Europe, inter-religious dialogue, in particular with Islam, the protection of Creation, migration and peace. These are the items on the agenda of the Churches in Europe for “the future of the cooperation” between the Conference of European Churches (Kek) and the Council of the European Bishops Conferences (Ccee). It was decided by the Joint Committee of the two bodies, that met in London from 21st to 24th February. “In addition – reads a release – the need to start a reflection on the reshaping of the ecumenical movement in Europe came to the fore”. “The need to revise the structures of ecumenical cooperation between the Churches in Europe, with a view to a renewed joint testimony”, was highlighted by the president of Kek, Jean-Arnold de Clermont, to give “a strong sign of the churches’ will to change”. On his part, card. Jean-Pierre Ricard, deputy president of Ccee, listed four priorities: “being increasingly clear about the goal of ecumenical commitment, “towards what unity are we setting off?”; “extending the experience of ecumenical brotherhood”, “being more present where man’s humanity is at play”, and “the development of a spiritual ecumenism, especially “at a time in which the slowness of the ecumenical progress might be disheartening”. In the end, the Commiittee decided to promote in Malines/Brussels (Blegium) from 20 to 23 October a European conference with Christians and Muslims, about “Being European citizens and believers. Christians and Muslims as active partners in European societies”. We interviewed Msgr. Aldo Giordano, Secretary General of Ccee. Which developments will follow Sibiu’s Assembly? “We believe that the chance of Sibiu lies especially in the delegates’ participation and in the people committed in the implementation of national gatherings in the framework of the Churches Pilgrimage towards Sibiu, held in preparation of the Ecumenical Assembly. We would like to promote this network and through it support the cooperation between Christians on those topics we all agree upon; the first underlying topic being the Word of God. Our first task is to help Christians in Europe to become familiar with the Bible, with the Word of God, and ensure that the topic of Sibiu, “The light of Christ sheds light over everyone”, is really the light guiding Christians to cooperate also on political and social issues. The fact that the first commitment is the Word of God, indicates that we intend to start from the light of Christ”. What can you tell us about the Churches’ initiatives towards Islam? “The Conference to be held in October will address issues relating to laity, to the relationship between the religious and secular spheres, the values and the State. The initiative was launched by Christians. However the intention is to involve also the Muslims since we want to communicate at the same level: we would like to confront the Christian and the Muslim views. A preparatory meeting is scheduled next April in Budapest. Participants will include Muslim representatives of the different Muslim communities and traditions present in Europe”. Is it the acknowledgement of an ever greater number of Muslims in Europe? “Yes, and in those very Countries with no Muslim tradition. There are 5 million Muslims in France and millions of Muslims in all Western Countries. We must consider the great variety of Muslims in Europe, not as a monolith. There are also geographic differences: Turkey’s Muslims aren’t the same as Morocco’s Muslims. Just like there are Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims; there are Muslims who teach in European universities seeking an integration into European culture and who perceive that the Muslim world must enter European legislation and tradition. This is different from those who view European culture and society with suspicion”.What is your opinion on the different attempts at bringing Islam and Europe closer?“It represents a necessity. This doesn’t mean that it’s a widespread necessity, but it does exist and we have to focus our efforts on it. It equally entails for us to read the signs sent by a part of the Muslim world, like the letter written to the Pope by 138 Muslim leaders. We want dialogue to follow this wake, also the European Muslims can represent a key to work together, notwithstanding all the limits of cooperation”.