European bishops' conference lament rise of nationalist parties, skepticism about EU
February 20, 2015
An organization of European Catholic bishops has issued a statement lamenting the recent success of nationalist political parties in Europe.
COMECE, the Commission of Episcopal Conferences of the European Community, decried a “nationalism of exclusion,” comparing the growing influence of right-wing parties to the situation in Europe before World Wars I and II.
“The Christian vision of universal justice and peace does not allow for any kind of chauvinism – it calls for solidarity and respect for all,” the COMECE statement insisted. The group observed with regret that nationalist parties were advocating “unilateral national measures, if necessary to the detriment of other peoples.”
The COMECE statement was clearly aimed at European political parties that have tapped into growing opposition to immigration and mounting skepticism about the European Union. COMECE has always been strongly in favor of the European Union, having been formed to represent the bishops’ conferences of the countries within the EU.
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Posted by: seewig -
Feb. 24, 2015 1:42 AM ET USA
Not to forget that the "European Government" is a monster bureaucracy, and the distance to that government may worry many people feeling their power dwindling to influence the government, and the feeling of powerlessness increases. The eager European Government makes itself known mainly by issuing regulations, which are not always understood by the local people. I don’t know what the bishops are trying to achieve. There is nothing Christian about the EU government.
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Posted by: bernie4871 -
Feb. 21, 2015 12:42 PM ET USA
Not sure I understand why joy and pride in one's Nation has to be identified as Chauvinistic - i.e. exaggerated or vainglorious patriotism. Europe is clearly defined by a multiplicity of national cultural developments. It is not monolithic. Language, culture and borders are not in themselves divisive. Hitler and Napoleon are dead and so is their mentality. Solidarity can not to be achieved by the renunciation of personality but only by the commonality of peaceful purpose - no more war.
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Posted by: bruno.cicconi7491 -
Feb. 20, 2015 9:12 PM ET USA
I call that Stockholm Syndrome.
