Catholic Church > Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales > Working Internationally > Europe
"There can be no doubt that the Christian faith belongs to the foundations of European culture. "Christianity in fact has shaped Europe, impressing upon it certain basic values. Modern Europe itself, which has given the democratic ideal and human rights to the world, draws its values from its Christian heritage.
With all this in mind, the Church of today, with a renewed sense of responsibility, is conscious of the urgency of not squandering this precious patrimony and of helping Europe to build herself by revitalizing her original Christian roots.
Europe, with all its inhabitants, needs to work tirelessly to build peace within its borders and throughout the world. In this regard, it must be recalled that “on the one hand, national differences ought to be maintained and encouraged as the foundation of European solidarity, while on the other, national identity itself can only be achieved in openness towards other peoples and through solidarity with them”.
Be certain! The Gospel of hope does not disappoint! ...it is the sign of a new beginning; it is the invitation to everyone, believers and non- believers alike, to blaze new trails leading to a “Europe of the spirit”, in order to make the continent a true “common home” filled with the joy of life."
Taken from Pope John Paul II's 2003 Apostolic ExhortationEcclesia in Europa
The Bishops' Conference of England and Wales works in close collaboration with COMECE and CCEE on European issues.
COMECE (Commissio Episcopatuum Communitatis Europensis) is the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community. It is made up of Bishops delegated by the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of the European Union and it has a permanent Secretariat in Brussels.
CCEE (Council of European Bishops' Conferences) brings together the Presidents of Europe's current 36 Bishops' Conferences. The Secretariat is based at St Gallen, Switzerland.
Go to the Department of International Affairs to find out more about the bishops' work in Europe.