Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 90 No. 3, 2020.
Professional paper
European Integrations and the Catholic Church
Hrvoje Škrlec
orcid.org/0000-0001-7408-7864
; Apostolic Nunciature to the European Union, Brussels, Belgium
Abstract
The topic discussed in this article – European integrations and the Catholic Church – is content‑wise very broad and could be approached in various ways. The author has opted, therefore, for a slightly original approach by starting with a narration of history of the two renowned institutions that managed, despite various inopportune circumstances they faced, to integrate themselves into contemporary European society with which they are in constant dialogue and which they enrich with new ideas. This refers to institutions that are related to the Catholic University Leuven in Belgium, whose activity is inspired by Christianity. In that sense, one could argue that they are a successful example, albeit a one that has to endure many hardships, of what is expected of contemporary states and their integrations, but also of the Catholic Church and its institutions. In the continuation of this article, the history and the present of contemporary European integrations, especially the European Union and its relation towards other countries on the European continent, as well as the specific relation of institutions and individuals towards religion, faith, and the Church, is concisely discussed. The theses that the author defends are backed up by statistical data and indicators.The author also offers an overview of activities of two European Catholic councils of conferences of bishops that are currently active and the relation of the Holy See towards Europe. All of this contributes to building up a common European home that is united in diversity of various countries, regions, languages, nations, and religions. The issue of one’s own identity is, thereby, not denied by any means, because it has to be confirmed and testified by everyday life in community with others.
Keywords
Church; Europe; European integrations; European Union; Christian identity.
Hrčak ID:
250184
URI
Publication date:
29.11.2020.
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