Why are religious symbols perceived so differently in the public arena and in the countries of the old continent? A question that will prompt the debate on "Visibility of religion in the European public arena", due to take place at the EU headquarters in Brussels this afternoon. This is the second of four workshops focussed on "Islam, Christianity and Europe", promoted, as part of 2008 as the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, by the Commission of the Bishops Conferences of the European Community, the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, in cooperation with Islamic partners and with the support of the European Parliament. The promoters explain that the idea of devoting one whole year to debating cultures and religious faiths in the continent "aims to strengthen social cohesion and peace in Europe". The first event was held on April 17th and was named "Intercultural dialogue: the answer to all problems?"; the next two have been planned for July3rd ("Christian Europe" and Islam in Europe) and September 11th (External relations between the EU and Muslim countries). Delegates from religious communities, experts and EU representatives will attend the meetings.
