A rising interest

With an interview with Mgr Václav Malý (Repubblica Ceca), and with Mgr. Marjan Turnšek, Archbishop coadjutor of Maribor (Slovenia), SIR Europe is continuing its special feature dedicated to the reflections of European bishops on the process of European integration and on the Church’s thought on the European common home (cfr SIR Europe 62-63-64-65/2011).What opinion and what expectations do the Catholic in your Country have vis-à-vis the European Union?Mgr Václav Malý: “Most of Catholic believers have only a superficial knowledge on the EU, which is why they are thrown on media sources, which are often biased. The exiting skepticism is caused by some controversial EU recommendations, too”.Mgr. Marjan Turnšek: “The catholics’ opinion about the European Union is not very positive. The expectations were higher than the reality as we live it now. A greater criticism is perceived in the field of the defence of the traditional family, and the respect of human life from the beginning to natural death. The same applies to the use of Christian values in the areas of economy and genetics”.Public opinion is based on correct information: do you believe that, in your reality, there is appropriate information on the EU institutions and on the European Churches?Mgr Václav Malý: “The awareness of the activities, attitudes and recommendations of European Churches is insufficient and the interest of it is not centered on it either. Even conscious and responsible Catholics do not consider such information as being very important for their spiritual efforts. Anyway, the awareness and interest in what is happening in the EU framework is increasing step by step”. Mgr. Marjan Turnšek: “Public opinion is based on quite correct information, but people’s interest is not always sufficiently keen. There are possibilities, but very few make use of them”.What contribution can the Church in your Country give to Europe?Mgr Václav Malý: “The Church basically draws her inspiration from the Gospel. It is a present sign of solidarity, universality, peace, respect for dignity of each human being, enhancing human capacities. No further comments are necessary”.Mgr. Marjan Turnšek: “ We are a small country, so also our contribution is small. Nevertheless, we still have a good number of Churchgoers, and really many volunteers in the Church…In some areas, the faith of our people is still quite heart-felt”.What balance would you strike concerning the work which has been implemented by the European Churches in the EU?Mgr Václav Malý: “The Churches of Europe strive to make their voice hearable. Their representatives meet politicians and make them aware of important topics which should not be avoided. They take part in preparing basic materials for decisive votes in EU institutions. In spite of the fact that they cannot influence essential decision-making and trends, the balance of their efforts is positive”.Mgr. Marjan Turnšek: “I think we have put into practice too little of what we wanted to do. In the European legislation the Christian values, the values of the Gospel are not perceived strongly enough. Christianity is not even mentioned in the “preambula” of the EU fundamental text. On the other hand, some very positive shifts have taken place too: the Churches as a positive presence in the EU, the crucifix in public places, etc.”.