In dialogue with Europe

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 62-63-64-65-66-67-69-71-75-76/2011) continue with the interview to Msgr. William Kenney, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham.What are British Catholics’ opinions and expectations regarding the EU? “I believe that the EU is not an area of chief interest for the majority of Catholics in my country, and this is true for a great part of English population. They aren’t definitely in favour, nor determinedly against it. The EU is certainly not a major concern. I am not able to provide the reasons, I think that it partly depends on the fact that we are on an island, with a long history, with a prominent and famous culture, which doesn’t see the need to open up to others”. The public opinion is based on correct information. Do you think that in your reality there is accurate information on EU institutions and on the European Churches? “Our media doesn’t do a good job when it comes to information on the EU. The impression is that in other European Countries the situation is much better than in it is in England. As regards European Churches perhaps the situation is better, meaning that the dissemination of information by the Churches is better, more accurate. We must not forget that the Catholic Church in England in rather small, and therefore the majority of the population has no interest in European Churches”. How can the Church in your Country contribute to the European Union? “The Church’s contribution is remarkable, its agenda is based on social dimensions. We try to highlight certain themes related to social problems, migration, poverty and peace that are also very important for the European agenda. The country also takes part in many European projects, although it is not a euro zone country. The political situation is such that the EU is viewed merely as an economic community, but in fact it is much more than this”. What is your appraisal of the work of European Churches in the EU? “A lot has been done and that much more could be done. I think we should take things seriously without disregarding the fact that there is an ongoing dialogue with non-believers. I spent a large part of my life in Scandinavia where practising Catholics are a small minority. I personally believe in the mission of Gaudium et spes, I believe in what the present Pope often says, namely, that we have to take seriously the persons we are in touch with. The question is not to preach what we believe to be right, but rather to enter in a dialogue with them, to discuss with them what we believe is right, to seek common grounds. I don’t think that we have always acted this way, but this is what it is necessary to do today”.