Faith in Europe

This book is based on the lectures given at Westiminster Cathedral in April and May 2005, in the wake of JPII's death. They seek to give a perspective from different more or less religious people to Christians in Europe.
Jean Vanier starts off the series. From his experience of living in community with handicapped people he points out that the primacy of the person- this needs to be a factor in the design of the European project. He also points out the importance of community for human beings to be fulfilled: we are all vulnerable and need others to cover for our weaknesses. A key feature of such communities is compassion and forgiveness. Through that we can build peace in our communities, but also in the wider society.
Mary McAleese describes three features of Europe. First she speaks of the Europe of reconciliation, pointing out what a miracle we witness by seeing the former enemies of World War II cooperating only 50 years later. But this movement of reconciliation needs to go further, bringing peace to the newer members of Europe as well. But to pursue this ideal Europe needs to remember its roots, including its Christian heritage.
Timothy Radcliffe attempts to sketch the contribution of Christianity to the future of Europe. As more and more Europeans leave the church, how can the church keep in contact with these millions of people who, while not belonging to the church, still believe in something. Part of the answer according to Radcliffe is the ability of Christianity to survive in a multi-faith Europe. Rather than being bearers of dogmatic truths, Christians need to become companions of people on their journeys. In other words, not to insist on the keeping of rules and regulations, but to show the importance of virtues in our journey to happiness, this is the calling of today's European church. But this requires that Christians themselves model a deep and contageous freedom. As Christians pursue the true, the good and the beautiful, they will become attractive for their fellow Europeans.
The theme of solidarity is the key idea in Bob Geldof's contribution. He is very sceptical of the EU beaurocracy and its institutions. They have proven their inability to act in places like the Balkans or Africa. But he sees a "latent comon idealism" in Europe which could be harnessed. As far as he is concerned helping Africa could be the great idea which would galvanize Europe into action.
Chris Patten's weak adress mainly pushes for European expansion to include Turkey, Bulgaria and Rumania. Secondly he urges the EU to be more positive toward the US.
The concluding remarks are those of the Cardinal of Westminster, who was also the initiator of the series of lectures. A few striking aspects have to characterize the European church. It will have to return to the primacy of the interior life; it needs to discover the important contribution of lay people; and the role of lay communities will become crucial in order to supplement people's experience in parishes. Similarly the church will have to rediscover solidarity toward the poor. The choice between Babel and Jerusalem will become clearer in the years to come, and the church needs to point the way.
A thought-provoking book.