Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
St Gallen (Fides Service) - Although there are many signs of hope for the future of the Church in Europe, the picture painted by the general secretaries of Europe’s bishops’ conferences meeting in St. Gallen (Switzerland) from 26th to 30th May, reveals uncertainties and worries, too. A perceived lack of landmarks and foundations, the erosion of values and of ethical standards, the spread of ambiguous and sectarian religious practices, anti-Semitism and a growing new forms of poverty are disorientating and a cause for concern regarding the future of Europe. It seems that some basic economic and socio-political trends are contributing to a new anthropology that is not in tune with Christian values. Most of all, if we take note of the new spiritual search in so many people’s lives, it becomes vitally important to take modern culture and secularisation seriously. The truth and beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are a coherent form of witness, the best gift Christians can offer Europe.
The general secretaries looked at a number of themes linked to the future of Europe and the role of the Church. In the first part of the meeting, the secretaries attempted to identify basic issues in contemporary society and discussed the best model of Church to promote. The only way of dealing with strong de-Christianising tendencies in Europe is to combine “innovation” and “tradition”. These are not two alternatives that work against each other, but concepts that are intrinsically linked. Those taking part in the meeting stressed that it is necessary to be innovative in handing on the faith.
Reflections on bioethical questions linked to new scientific research on stem-cells, embryos and the brain played a significant role in discussions at the meeting. Günter Rager, professor of medicine at the University of Fribourg, gave the introductory talk. He emphasised that some research, particularly concerned with the brain and the manipulation of embryos, clash with the Christian vision of the human person. They need to be studied and require a response from society, the political community and the Church. What should be the Church’s attitude to this new culture, which is opposed to the Christian anthropological vision? It would definitely be counter-productive to judge all research a priori as absurd, without being prepared to get involved in scientific debate. Readiness to take scientific culture seriously is, however, a serious commitment. In the first place, it demands advanced knowledge of the facts and of current research. So it is absolutely necessary for the Church to enter into dialogue with science, and to contribute to greater public awareness. The outcome of the debate was the idea of working with ComECE on the creation of a European network of experts who can put forward the Church’s views and carry on a dialogue with the European institutions.
The secretaries went on to discuss the report of CCEE’s activities, which was presented by Mgr. Aldo Giordano, secretary general of CCEE, and future projects aiming at closer collaboration between the bishops’ conferences. CCEE works in three main areas today: the first is as a European space at the service of collegiality and communion among bishops; its second task is that of service to the ecumenical process in Europe; lastly, CCEE works for dialogue between the Gospel and contemporary European culture. This last point explains why CCEE is committed to the fields of migration, religious and cultural pluralism in Europe, a concern for the world of education, schools and universities, the media society, relations with Muslims in Europe and stewardship for creation.
The general secretaries of the bishops’ conferences also discussed the ecumenical situation in Europe. It emerged how much relationships between the various Christian confessions and the Catholic Church vary from country to country. But it seems the European churches are living through a period of ecumenical stagnation and, while they are aware of the need to make progress along the way of encounter and dialogue. Information was also given on young people’s participation in the coming World Youth Day in Cologne from 15th to 21st August, 2005. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 1/6/2005; righe 49, parole 649)
