Rome (Fides Service) - The constitutional text being prepared, must make clear mention of the fact that the European Union respects the status by virtue of national right, enjoyed by Churches and religious communities in member countries with respect for fundamental human rights. Archbishop Renato Martin, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace reiterated Pope John Paul II's thought, when he addressed a Convention of the Christian Roots of Europe in Rome at the Regina Apostolorum college. The Church feels it has a duty to shape the future of Europe and is convinced that it can make a significant contribution to the new institutional forms being prepared. The European Union must recognise and guarantee the identity and organisation and freedom of Churches of the continent. (Fides Service 28/1/2003)