Beyond Notre Europe | 04/09/2006 

Catholics and Europe
Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community
In French
Preface by Jean-Marie Lustiger, Postface by Jacques Delors,
April 2006 Editor: Bayard,
143 pages, 8.50 ‚¬

Requested by COMECE, the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, this short book is addressed to European catholic and non-catholic citizens. It is meant to provide an analysis of the European project through Christian values. For Christians, argues Archbishop Hippolyte Simon, the Union is essential as « a factor of peace in Europe, an as an actor contributing to an international balance"�. This publication, which does not provide an official viewpoint, therefore argues that what matters regarding the future of the EU and Turkey is primarily to "clarify what separates and brings them together, in a mutually understanding fashion"�, and to "make explicit and confront our "family problems", in order for all implicit views and resentments to be aired"�. This publication includes a « Christian reading » of Europe's construction since the Schuman declaration, as well as of the recent accession of the new Member States. It then provides a framework for Catholics' contribution to European construction, based on dialogue, social activism, diversity and unity, distinction between religion and politics, citizen participation, a Europe open unto the rest of the world, and international solidarity.