Agenzia Fides

Freising (Agenzia Fides) – From September 16 to 19, Freising (Germany) will host the Eighth European Catholic China Colloquium, organized by China-Zentrum in Sankt Augustin, whose theme will be social and religious integration of the Chinese in Europe (The Chinese in Europe — Trends and Catholic Perspectives). The presence of the Chinese in different European countries, future prospects, and the response of the Church will be the topics discussed in the talks, group sessions, and meetings on specific topics. Opening the Colloquium will be Fr. Eric Englert, OSA, President of Missio Munich and China-Zentrum, along with Fr. Anton Weber, SVD, Director of the China-Zentrum. Their introduction will be followed by a speech from Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich on "Catholic Social Doctrine in the Context of Global Challenges." Within the six sessions planned, speeches will be given by academics, representatives from the Chinese world, representatives from European Catholic organizations working with China, as well as members of Protestant and Orthodox churches in Europe. In the final session, dedicated to commitment and solidarity from the European and Chinese perspectives, there will be talks given by Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, former Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, and Fr. Peter Cui Xingang, the Italian Bishops' Conference's representative for Chinese Catholics in Italy. There will also be a particular analysis of the experience of Fr. Matteo Ricci in this, the 4th centenary of his death. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/09/2010)