When the sky above la Manche is clear, the UK
coast can be spotted from the northern coast of France. Thirty-four kilometres
separate the white cliff of Dungeness from continental Europe; a distance that
after the vote on Brexit, weighs like a rock in the thoughts of those who
believe in the European dream.
However, a referendum vote does not erase the
historical and cultural link between the UK and the continent. If London has
decided to leave the EU, it does not leave Europe. Put another way, geography
cannot be erased by a referendum vote.
This
is not simply rhetorical. Even after a Brexit, people will remain European on
both sides of the Channel. They will continue to be sons and daughters of
principles that have fought against particular interests, hate and blind
ideologies that have overshadowed Europe for centuries.
In
the UK, as in any other European country, from the largest metropolis to the
most rural village, people will continue to desire peace and democracy,
pluralism and equality, rule of law and human rights; and the image they will
have in mind will be the yellow stars on the blue background of the European
Union flag.
Weakened
by Brexit and a general Euroscepticism, the European project remains the only
peace guarantee for the continent. That is why it is necessary to nourish and
renew it with individual and collective efforts to put the dignity of the human
person and the common good at the centre of European policies.
The
European Church and its bishops, key players in European society, are committed
to this effort and intend to make their contribution - a Christian contribution
based on the Church's Social Doctrine - to the future of the European project.
In this context, one of the main initiatives is the organization of
(Re)thinking Europe, an international and multidisciplinary forum of dialogue
between Church and political leaders that will take place in the Vatican from
27 to 29 October.
Marking
the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, which first
embodied the idea of the European Union, (Re)thinking Europe is organized in
the form of a dialogue, thus emphasizing a free and respectful exchange of
ideas, different experiences and opinions. Instead of a congressional approach
or division of roles, (Re)thinking Europe will consist of a discussion between
men and women, political actors and representatives of the Church. Indeed
dialogue will be the tool to (re)think Europe, the European Union - the peace
project for the continent.
Mgr Gianni Ambrosio
COMECE vice-president
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