Dutiful presence

Having faith in the European edifice, uniting peoples and States vis à vis contemporary challenges; acting with determination, as Christian testimonies of the evangelical principles within the political realm. Different nations conveyed their appreciation of the “Call to the Citizens in view of European elections in June 2009” by the “Christians for Europe” who appeal to “European citizens to contribute to European democratic debate”.Christians, protagonists in the EU. “The faithful must be protagonists in the building of Europe” and “lay Catholics therefore cannot remain idle” before the “challenges the EU is called to address”. Jerome Vignon, President of the Social Weeks of France, commented on the statement issued April 1st in Brussels by the “Initiative of Christians for Europe”. The statement (an excerpt in Sir Europe n. 24/2009), signed by Christian dignitaries and delegates of Christian associations from some dozen countries, underlines the need to step up the integration process “to face the crisis and the challenges of this age through a Europe that is more united, more sympathetic and more open to the world”. “The document is the result of nearly two years’ work in which different contributions have been combined. It reiterates the need to establish a strong bond between the values conveyed by citizens and peoples of Europe and the European Union project”. Vignon draws attention on the “three key messages” which emerge from the appeal. First of all, we need Europe”. “This is felt in the realm of the economy, demography, in terms of family protection, and to face environmental issues”. Secondly, the statement of the Christians for Europe states that “the Lisbon Treaty is a good treaty”. Roots and daily commitment. Jerome Vignon points out that the document “firmly reiterates the dignity of the human person and those values grounded in the Christian heritage”. “It is not a perfect treaty – he points out -. However, it’s a good point of departure to revitalize European institutions”. Furthermore, third point, “the appeal launched by lay Christians is a clear, straightforward call to take part in the forthcoming elections for the European Parliament”. “We must bring citizens at the heart of Europe – adds the President of the French Social Weeks – and that’s why this expression of democracy is crucial”. This view is shared by Jacques Barrot, vice-President of the EU Commission: “In order to respond to the economic crisis, to migration, to climate changes, it is necessary to strengthen EU institutions and policies. The Lisbon Treaty is a good response”. Barrot equally calls citizens to go to the polls on June 4-7. Do you believe that the fact that the Lisbon Treaty – like the previous EU Constitution – failed to meet the widespread request of reaffirming the Christian roots of Europe could have a boomerang effect? “I believe that Christian values ought to be practiced especially in daily life. For this we need true testimonies of faith and of the evangelical message in every-day life. Outstanding declarations of intent aren’t enough. I must add that the core values inscribed in the Treaty and in the annexed Charter of Rights “highlight the Christian root” of Europe which Brussels and Strasbourg are asked to erect. The need to “be part of a network”. Socialist MEP Jo Leinen drew attention on a number of aspects: “The statement of the Christians for Europe reaffirms the positivity of the Lisbon Treaty, and I share this approach. I appreciate the section devoted to climate changes and environmental protection. The same can be said as relates to solidarity between generations, between the rich and the poor, that must be at the basis of European integration”. And what about the section devoted to the family? “To this regard the debate is under way, there are a number of different positions”. Patrizia Toia, Liberal-democrat MEP from Christian-Democrat political groups declared: “I believe that for the good of Europe, Christians must join in a network. This must take place in both the political and in the cultural realms. This document is a remarkable example. I fully endorse its content that reaffirms the centrality of the human person and of the family along with the principle of solidarity, the choice of an economy to the service of man, the commitment to defend the environment and the choice of a Europe that is open to the world”. “I can’t imagine the future of Europe without the specific contribution of Christian faithful”, remarked Popular MEP Alojz Peterle. “Everyone, believers and non-believers, are called to shape Europe in order to meet the current challenges. The faithful ought to contribute with their peculiarities. We naturally reaffirm the lay trait of political institutions. However, the Union must always take into account the feelings expressed by European populations to ensure that the project of the common home enjoys the appreciation of its citizens”.