With greater impetus

“Reflection and debate on social questions ought to be set against the background of the European context”. It is the underlying message of the manifesto “For a European conscience”, issued in 2000 by the organizations representing European social Catholicism. The manifesto was followed, in 2002, by the creation of a working group which in 2006 took the name of “Christians’ Initiative for Europe”, IXE. That belief has grown even stronger today. In the ongoing economic and financial crisis that involves the European Union, IXE steps up its commitment and that of its members from Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine, acting as the spokespersons of the social message of the Church, to engage in a dialogue with society, expressing positions on themes regarding the future of Europe, and prompting reflection of the evolution of European construction. During the 86th Social Weeks of France (SSF), held in Paris past November 25-27, on “Democracy, a new idea”, SIR Europe interviewed Bernard Chevenez, in charge of European affairs for SSF. We are facing a serious economic and financial crisis, with serious repercussion at social level, and on values. In this context, why speak about democracy? “To speak of democracy means highlighting the true meaning of the term, namely, the equal possibilities offered to all citizens to have an influence on their governing bodies, in the light of the fact that politicians, elected with democratic vote, sometimes completely ignore their constituency, the voting population. The latter have lost all faith in politics. The situation is reason for concern. The crisis could act as a thrust, so that citizens may be at the centre of political action, promoting guidance whilst re-adapting their lifestyles”.How?“We have to call ourselves into question as regards our commitment as individuals, and at social and political level, in the broadest sense of the term. First of all, we have to question ourselves on the true meaning of democracy, its underlying principles, and on how we could recover its founding values. Another aspect that must not be disregarded is instilling democratic values in citizens – notably the youth – through education. It is the educational target of the Social Weeks of France, and of other Weeks held in Europe with the same purpose. Some hold that European regulations risk thwarting democratic expression, as European measures and legislation have not been voted by the representatives of the population. But we believe that such democratic principles ought to be implemented at European level as they are stipulated in the Treaty of Lisbon that has promoted citizens’ initiatives linked to their concern for democracy at European level”.Not only the citizens, also EU Member States should do their share. I am referring to the respect of the community integration method developed with the treaties, for which Member States have renounced a part of their sovereignty, entrusting it to European institutions…“In fact. We have recently been observing that France and Germany, with Italy, in a different way, have close interests, limiting in fact this community method. But solutions must involve Europe as a whole, whereby each country has a role”.Which, instead, is the role of Christians? “As regards the governing of the public sphere, lay Christians have an important role, which is evident in many initiatives, such as the Social Weeks held in European countries, aimed at rediscovering the centrality of social and political commitment, for active and participatory citizenship. To this regard, we ought to recall the the Social Days of Catholics in Granada, in 2013, promoted by the bodies representing the European Churches (CCEE – COMECE). This attention is present also in the appeal launched by IXE in 2009, in an ad hoc Manifesto, to exhort Christians to vote in the European elections. Now we are committed in organizing a colloquium with European institutions, Parliament and Commission, to discuss the financial crisis, in the light of the conflicts of memory”. How are the conflicts of memory related to the ongoing crisis? “These conflicts thrive in people’s minds. No one speaks of them and therefore they remain unsolved. Consider for example the relations between Poland and Lithuania, Germany and Poland, the conflicts in the Balkans, the divisions in Belgium… Such knots prevent the full progress of the EU and the unitary solution to problems. Christians and the Churches have an important role in settling these conflicts, as they are promoters of forgiveness. It is the social teaching of the Church, which thus intends to inspire and form new citizens and new politicians”.Maybe addressing the young generations disappointed by politics and concerned for their future, undermined by the ongoing crisis? “The youth, whether students or professionals, represent a source of hope for the Old Continent. Unfortunately many of them are often disappointed by politics both at national and at European level. It is necessary to involve them, and teach them democratic learning and active participation in society. Politics, as states Vatican II, and Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate, is one of the highest forms of charity. We therefore have the responsibility of drawing the youth close to the political sphere, highlighting the Evangelical values, that they may be pursued with availability, solidarity and free self-bestowal”.