Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Stuttgart (Fides Service) - Two words summarise the event which took place in Stuttgart, Germany on May 8: brotherhood and unity. At a decisive moment in history for the present and the future of Europe, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christians representing more than 150 Movements, Communities and groups of various Christians denominations taking part in the international event testified that Europe, free and democratic, has the human and spiritual resources to live in communion, to be what was already visible on Saturday: a brotherhood united under the banner of love.
Europe owes its unity to those Jewish-Christian roots which made it possible through the centuries for different religious and cultural traditions to live side by side. Today this is still possible, without shirking the present day challenges, it is possible to achieve this unity starting with simplicity and trust from what exists already, from a present which is already a reality..
The continent’s charisma, gifts of God, are pushing it along the path of universal brotherhood which, for those present at Stuttgart, is Europe’s most deep-lying vocation. Brotherhood as taught by the Gospel love for all lived by all. Brotherhood as sharing goods and resources, equality and freedom, deepening awareness of Europe’s common cultural heritage, acceptance of those with different cultures and religious traditions, loving solidarity towards the weak and the poor of the continent’s cities, a strong sense of family, respect for life and its natural course, respect for nature and the environment, harmonious development of the means of communication.
It is above all through lived brotherhood that Europe itself can become a message of peace; an active peace to be built day by day on the basis of forgiveness given and requested. Peace bent on building bridges between peoples, on "globalising" solidarity and justice.
For the event almost 200 cities all over the world were connected with Stuttgart via satellite: 151 cities in 29 European countries and 45 cities in 33 different countries of America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. (P.L.R.) (Agenzia Fides 10/5/2004 - Righe 22; Parole 304)
