The Church For Europe

 

 

In 2003, St. Dunstan-in-the-West was designated to be the Diocese of London’s Church for Europe

 

 

What is The Church for Europe?

 

The Church for Europe is a new initiative. Our goal is to ensure that public discourse about the future of Europe includes a spiritual dimension.

 

The times in which we are living are pivotal ones for Europe as a whole. Discussion intensifies about Britain's membership of the European Union, its potential benefits and dangers, and about Europe’s responsibilities within the wider world. In Britain today the prospect of monetary union raises particularly strong emotions. These are crucial matters, yet all too often they are addressed solely in terms of political and economic concerns. Spiritual considerations, which remain so central to many people’s lives, only rarely feature in public debate.

 

By bringing the extra dimension of faith to these discussions, the Church for Europe seeks to improve the debate while monitoring and inputting into developments and policy changes.

 

The Church for Europe ...

 

• is non-political and non-partisan

 

• does not take a corporate view on policy issues – rather, we seek to make sure that discussion on such issues takes account not only of material concerns, but of spiritual ones as well

 

• accepts that while faith sometimes reinforces cultural and national divisions, it also has a vital role to play in bridging and healing divisions

 

• realises that Europe means far more than simply the European Union, and in particular welcomes involvement with Eastern Europe and the Eastern Orthodox traditions

 

• seeks to promote genuine, lively debate informed by mutual respect and a search for common ground

 

• will work to develop the role of faith in helping to identify the goals that we share for the future of Europe

  

 

We would be keen to hear from you if you have an interest in these issues.

For more information, please contact the Guild Vicar.