EUROPE - Together for Europe: international meeting for church Movements and Communities May 8 at Stuttgart “a soul for Europe”

Tuesday, 27 April 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - “All together in polyphony”: is the image used by Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant’Egidio, to present “Together for Europe” event in Stuttgart on May 8, which will bring together members of over 150 church movements and communities of Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox and Anglicans.
The idea came to founders and leaders of Catholic and Lutheran church movements and communities meeting in Rome in May 2002. To follow up the history-making Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification signed by the Catholic Church and the world Lutheran Federation, those church leaders agreed to organise a meeting in Germany to “give Europe a soul”.
The event is also in view of the actual process of unification of the Continent. This process began in the mid 1950s after centuries of conflict and bloodshed. This historical movement is particularly important considering that in May ten more countries will join the European Union. At the same time the actual drafting of a Constitution for Europe, will help outline the continent’s fundamental values, with respect for the identity, language, culture and traditions of every country and confirm commitment to “to work to promote peace, justice and solidarity” (Preamble draft EU Constitution). All this on May the 8, the anniversary of the end of World War II.
“Diversity is not a threat it is a gift,» said Thomas Römer, representing Lutheran and Catholic communities in Germany. “We need one another. We must learn to express that which unites us, that is love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and love for God”. The participants will draft a final declaration to render visible the unity of Europe in all its variety- which already exists. The aim is to give new impulse to social, political and cultural life.
“Church movements want a Europe of the Spirit,» said Gabriella Fallacara of the Focolare movement. “This is the time of unity, of being together. Some 10.000 people are expected and they will gather in unity. It will demonstrate that the Gospel lives in Europe, Christ lives in Europe”.
Today more than ever Europe needs unity and “church movements, Catholic and Lutheran, already have a European dimension and in intrinsic capacity to connect Europe with the other continents” said Andrea Riccardi. (P.L.R.) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2004 - Righe 30; Parole 395)


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