Our heritage

SIR Europe’s specials on the reflection of European Bishops on the European integration process and Church thought on the common European home (Cf. SIR Europe 62-63-64-65-66-67-69-71-75-76-77/2011) continue with the interview to Msgr. Rimantas Norvila, bishop of the diocese of Vilkaviškis (Lithuania).What are Lithuanian Catholics’ opinions and expectations regarding the EU? “When Lithuania entered the EU there were high expectations over the occasions for travel and work, the funding possibilities that could be accessed, along with greater opportunities of cultural vicinity with other nations in Europe. It appears to me that these expectations are nurtured even now, although we are more concerned about economic and financial aspects, that are extremely important in our small country and which I think will remain a priority for our people also in the near future”.Public opinion is based on correct information. In your reality is accurate information on EU institutions and European Churches available? “The information exists, every day we read something about Europe and there are updates on news items coming from EU institutions. Obviously these days the topical issue is the euro, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. But there are many cultural and social aspects, as well as the situation in other countries, whose full picture is not being conveyed. There is special emphasis on economic life and European political questions. If instead we refer to information on the historical Churches of Christian Europe, our people are uninformed and without tools. Of course, very often there is talk about the Pope and the activities of the Holy Father or the themes related to such activities, which prompt debate. For this reason the Catholic Church is given major attention, also since the Lithuanian people are mostly Catholic. There is much talk of the Churches in other countries whenever there are scandals or cases of abuse, thus always under a negative light”.How can the Church in your Country contribute to the European Union? “Over the past years, in Lithuania the central themes have been the family and the values that were passed on to us by our Christian faith, tradition, and culture. I think the debate that is being upheld inside the country could be a contribution for Europe. Although we are a small country, and therefore we have little influence in Europe, our experience could help other Christian countries not to overlook these values, so that the voice of all Christian countries together may become stronger, more important and more influential”.What is your appraisal of the work of European Churches in the EU? “I refer above all to the experience of the Catholic Church, in particular to the voice of the Holy Father, whether at national level or in Europe it is always open to discussion on ethical values, on the family. And if there is a discussion, it is a positive contribution. Our heritage from the past, reconfirmed today, is presented under a new light that can illuminate contemporary developments in the areas of science, medicine, as regards changed relations between individuals, new family dynamics, in the social environment, the questions linked to immigration or the care of the elderly … In all these areas of contemporary existence the voice of Christian Churches is sometimes heard clearly and other times it isn’t as strong. However I think that in all of these questions there are positive influences, even if the voice and the contribution of the Churches is not always explicit”.