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" "" "" "" "

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" "" "

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" "" "" "

"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 […]

di Redazione

France

” “Lustiger and "Jewish brothers"

Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop of Paris and member of the Académie Française, who has made no secret of his Jewish origins, has recently published a book called “La Promesse ” (The Promise), in which he reviews the close relations between Christianity and Judaism. “It is inconceivable – writes the cardinal – that the Church should claim […]

di Redazione

The relics of St.Theresa in Iraq

The relics of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus have been in Iraq since 20 November. They will remain there for five weeks, during which they will traverse the whole country, from Bassora in the deep south to Mosul in the north, and passing through Baghdad. The girl saint will celebrate Christmas in Iraq this […]

di Maryvonne Gasse - Paris" "" "

ecumenism" "

Orthodox Patriarchate: the first number of "Europaica" ” “

“Europaica” is born! Published by the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church to the European institutions in Brussels, the bulletin contains news and reports in both English and French. “The main aim of this bulletin – says the Patriarchate in a press release – is to publicize the activity of the Representation and the role […]

di Redazione

Dialogue between Protestants and Orthodox” “

An Orthodox-Protestant consultation on “Ecclesiology as basis for friendship between the Churches” was held at the Orthodox Academy of Crete (Greece) from 28 November to 1 December. The meeting – promoted by the Conference of the Churches of Europe (KEK) – brought together 20 theologians (10 Protestant and 10 Orthodox) from various European countries. The […]

di Redazione

Aids: role of the Churches” “

On 29 November, a few days after World Aids Day (1st December), representatives of 14 churches and church-run organizations from 10 western, central and eastern European countries met in Minsk, in Belarus, for a consultation organized jointly by the World Council of Churches and the Conference of the Churches of Europe. The meeting focused on […]

di Redazione

European Union

” “EU reform: the Commission’s proposals” “

In the course of its meeting on 5 December, the European Commission will formally approve a document aimed at the Convention on the future of Europe containing the Executive’s proposals on the reform of the Community institutions and their method of work. The document will be presented on the same day by Romano Prodi during […]

di Redazione