“European identity lives from diversity and freedom”

On the invitation of Frans Timmermans, First Vice President of the European Commission, European religious leaders today met with high-ranking representatives of the European Union in Brussels for their annual encounter. Timmermans is responsible in the Commission for the dialogue with the churches and religious leaders. This year’s meeting had the theme: “Migration, integration and European values: putting values into action”.

Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) called for a far-sighted and active integration policy in the EU that would open up new prospects for migrants. At the same time, he observed that successful integration – besides language acquisition, family reunification and integration in the labour market – required an acceptance of European values. In view of the ongoing crisis of European cohesion and the rise of nationalism, Europeans must be reassured of who they are as well. “In the light of the US presidential elections, too, we Europeans should not fear a debate about our common European identity, an identity that lives from diversity, freedom and social justice,” said the EKD Council chair. “The European idea also includes the promise to stand by one another in times of crisis.” Churches and religious communities should understand themselves more as part of this Europe, he said. Bedford-Strohm welcomed the announcement of Commission President Juncker that youth unemployment in Europe was to be tackled vigorously, and recommended enabling as many young people as possible to gain experience with Europe, e.g. through EU programmes like ERASMUS+.

With respect to the fears in parts of society about too many migrants, a loss of identity or social decline, the EKD Council chair emphasised, “We condemn hatred and agitation, but we never condemn other persons. We reject anti-human attitudes. But we never condemn the holders of these attitudes.” We must address these anxieties and not prematurely stick labels on people who block dialogue, he claimed. Bedford-Strohm advised talking to each other rather than about each other, and warned that the fostering of democracy should not be left to the politicians. Democratic relations also include the art of putting up with other opinions and debating them together, he underlined.

Background:
José Manuel Barroso, then president of the European Commission, in 2005 invited religious leaders in Europe to a High-level Meeting with religious leaders. His aim was to underline the significance of dialogue with the churches and religious communities. The dialogue with churches, religious associations or communities, and philosophical or non-confessional organisations has been enshrined in EU treaty law since the Treaty of Lisbon took effect in 2009.

Hanover/Brussels, 29.11.16

EKD Press Office
Carsten Splitt/Katrin Hatzinger