Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Belgrado (Agenzia Fides) – At the conclusion of their meeting, in Belgrade from 17 to 20 February on the theme: “National identity and European integration: the contribution of Christians”, the members of the Joint Committee of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and of the Council of the European Episcopal Conference (CCEE) approved a message which was sent to Fides. From the various contributions made during the meeting, “the conviction emerged that every human being has a dignity that is not negotiable. This dignity derives from our having been created in the image of God.... The fact of belonging to a family, a nation or many other types of community is part of the identity of each person. Although each person is unique, no one can fully realise his or her calling without having a relationship with others” The Christian knows that his of her fundamental identity comes from baptism, but this changes throughout life. “There is a continuous development of new elements that can become challenges to our identity, sometimes enriching, sometimes, however, creating tensions. But it is precisely for this reason that the identity is an inner experience and is a call for dialogue with our remote brothers and sisters in order to work together to promote the common good.”
Peace requires realism and our focus on issues other than mere economic growth, “it demands that our framework of reference also covers the issue of national identity, not allowing it to degenerate into forms of nationalism. In this manner we may find a safe common ground where we can offer a hand to the other without fear of being annihilated.”
On the issue of religious freedom, the document states: “Religious freedom is a right and a value that every democratic society should be ready to defend and promote. In this spirit, members of the Joint Committee decided to draft and send a letter to Baroness Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the European Union, asking that the issue of defending the religious freedom of Christians around the world be placed on the agenda of the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, scheduled for 21 February. They also asked that a clear signal be issued with respect to decisions on common policies demonstrating the commitment of the European Union to the defence of religious freedom for the faithful of all religions throughout the world. The reference to persecution of Christians, the urgency of which is evident in the face of recent events (especially in the Middle East and in Iraq) can not be forgotten or buried under political and inconclusive abstract. Western countries that have special relationships with the areas where there is persecution should demonstrate their real commitment to defend those who are persecuted for their faith, whatever faith they are.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2011)
