Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Stuttgart (Agenzia Fides) - “With your Movements you give a face to united Europe”. These words by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, were one of many messages sent to the organisers of the 2nd International Ecumenical Gathering “Together for Europe”, Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox, Anglicans: Alpha International (UK), S. Egidio Community (Italia), Fondacio (France), Focolari Movement (Italy), Schönstatt (Germany), Syndesmos (Belgium), YMCA (Germany). On 12 May some 8000 members of 250 communities and movements of various Churches on the old continent, filled Palasport Hans-Martin Schleyer in Stuttgart (Germany), linked live via satellite with similar meetings in 60 cities across Europe. In the final statement affirms that in Stuttgart there emerged the face of Europe with the traits of a new culture, the culture of communion, a culture born of “charisma, gifts from God” which have given rise to these new Christian realities. This is well expressed in the solemn commitment read by young people: “The different charisma we have received lead us to the path of brotherhood and communion as a profoundly European vocation”.
As it was often heard in Stuttgart, in a Europe threatened by scepticism and paralysis due to the rising of nationalism, Christian movements and communities “are realise that their diversities are an enrichment rather than motive for fear or separation ” - these are again words of the message - and they can “become a sign of” for the continent. And on the basis of this communion the Movements in the final statement say “yes to protect life at every stage; yes to the family bound by an indissoluble pact of love between a man and a woman; yes to creation and protection of the environment; yes to economy with solidarity; solidarity with the poor and the excluded, to development of disadvantaged countries especially in Africa; yes to peace, with conflict mediation; yes to cities as places of solidarity and acceptance, open to different cultures. Not only points for programmes but indications for new development of what has already been experienced in the countries of Europe. This was seen in a serious of personal stories and initiatives in these areas which highlighted the lived Gospel's power of renewal.
Pope Benedict XVI in a message sent on his behalf by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of state, hoped the event would "strengthen the desire for communion that animates lay movements and communities of the different Churches; contribute to overcoming prejudices, nationalism and historical barriers, and urge people to work so that the spiritual dimension may not weaken in the Europe of post-modern times".
In his message the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, said he hoped the event would lead to “visible signs of resurrection…enriching Europe with the authentic sense of life”, while the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, identified among the principal challenges for Europe “ spiritual stability”, and “central common vision from which to view the continent ”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/5/2007, righe 34, parole 474)
