CHARTER OF BASIC RIGHTS MUST INCLUDE CHRISTIAN VALUES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's Message to the participants in the Eighth National Assembly of the Ecclesial Movement of Cultural Commitment (MEIC) as it meets in Rome to reflect on the ten-year project of the Italian Church entitled "Communicating the Gospel in a Changing World."

The Pope noted that MEIC is part of Italian Catholic Action and is the "'missionary avant garde' for the world of culture and of professions." He also remarked on their proposal "to study more deeply and renew missionary awareness, that must always distinguish you. ... This renewed missionary conscience calls you, today more than ever, to be credible witnesses of Christian humanism."

"Without ever reducing faith to culture," underscored John Paul II, "the Church makes an effort to give cultural consistency to the life of faith, and to make it inspire everyone in private and public life, (as well as) the national and international realities. In this regard, you know with what great interest the Holy See is following the work of the European Convention. I was able personally to express my disappointment for the omission of any reference to Christian and religious values in the editing of the Charter of basic rights.

"I greatly hope," he added, "that MEIC will be able to work so that the religious component, which over the centuries has permeated the formation of European institutions, is not ignored. The Christian patrimony of civilization, which has contributed so greatly to the defense of the values of democracy, freedom, and solidarity among the peoples of Europe, must neither vanish nor be disregarded."

The Pope lauded MEIC for their "marked sensitivity for the Church's ecumenical commitment" and their dedication to interreligious dialogue. "Continue on this precious path of formation in the ecumenical sector and in awareness of religions."

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