"Subiaco Charter": a contribution to the European constitution

“Respect for the historical truth demands that the particular influence exerted by Christianity in defining the cultural and spiritual profile of the peoples of Europe be recognized”: so declares the “Subiaco Charter”, drawn up by the “Life and Family” Foundation in Subiaco (near Rome), the site of two important Benedictine monasteries, San Benedetto and Santa […]

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Spain

” “A "Convention of Christians"” “” “

The first meeting of the “Convention of Christians on Europe” will take place at Barcelona from 6 to 8 December with the objective of contributing to the discussion of the European Convention and the intergovernmental Conference that will follow it up. The convention will focus on the process of participation and on such questions as […]

di Miriam Díez - Barcelona" "" "" "

United Kingdom: crackdown on illegal immigrants ” “

Agreement between Nicolas Sarkozy and David Blunkett, respectively Interior Ministers for France and Britain, was reached on Monday, 2 December. It provides for the final closing down of the holding centre at Sangatte (France) on 30 December. The centre was established by the Red Cross close to the entrance to the Eurotunnel in 1999, as […]

di Sara Silvestri - London" "" "

immigrants

” “The challenge of acceptance

A further two tragedies have occurred in Italy’s coastal waters in recent days: scores of immigrant victims in search of hope. Even more dramatically relevant in this light seems the Pope’s message for the 89th World Migrant and Refugee Day, published on 2 December: “The persons particularly in need – recalls the Pope – include […]

di Catherine Wihtol De Wenden " "National Centre for Scientific Research - paris" "" "" "" "

Malta

Malta’s entry into the EU is welcomed, so long as it does not have “any negative effect on the heritage of Christian values of our people”. That’s the recommendation of the Maltese bishops who have devoted a document to the question, as well as a pastoral letter with the title “The Maltese heritage of Christian […]

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Cyprus

“It’s easy to say what Cypriots’ hopes for the forthcoming Copenhagen summit are: that of being accepted in Europe”. That’s how Father Umberto Barato, Latin patriarchal vicar of Cyprus, sums up the island’s hopes in the imminent Council meeting that will decide on EU enlargement. “Of the 10 nations that are about to join the […]

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Slovenia

“ Slovenia’s entry into the EU will be the fulfilment of a dream lasting a thousand years and confirm her own sovereignty, her own independence and her own desire to embrace Western culture“. This event, so long awaited, thus has a significance for Slovenia that far transcends the economic and political aspect. “Slovenia – says […]

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Hungary

General confidence in the “European” future with some concerns about questions involving the ethical sphere: such is the basic attitude of the Hungarian Church to EU membership. The Hungarian bishops are currently preparing a pastoral letter on Europe, that will soon be published: “We are conscious that the months ahead represent a very important turning […]

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Lithuania

Annexed to the Soviet Union in 1940, it regained its independence on 9 February 1991. Today, its population looks to Europe with mingled fears and hopes. We discussed the matter with Father Gintaras Grusas, general secretary of the country’s Episcopal Conference. Together with Poland, Lithuania is one of the two countries of the former Soviet […]

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Czech Republic

“Co-responsible for the future face of Europe”. In the mind of Bishop Vaclav Maly, delegate of the Episcopal Conference of the Czech Republic for relations with the European Union (EU), there are no doubts: “Entry will involve economic and political union with Europe, but at the same time it will mean becoming co-responsible for the […]

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