The “R” factor in the Euromediterranean Region

Religion, politics, conflicts, dialogue

Casa Cares February 12th 2005

The Mediterranean

Too small to split (interdependance)Too large to link (fragmentation – Euromediterranean sub-regions)

(Bichara Khader)

Religions in the EU

Christians 80,86Muslims 2,96Jews 0,31No religious 12,76Atheist 2,43

Christian denominations in the EU

Catholics 57%Protestants evangelicals 13,11Other evangelicals 1,99Anglicans 5,61Orthodox, 3,38

Secularism in the EUChurch attendance in:UK 27%E 25%F 21%CH 16%DK 5%N 5 %D 14 %GR 20-25%

A mosaic of minorities

22 million Muslims1million Buddhists1 million Hindus900.000 Jehova’s Witnesses1 million Sikhs

Other minorities

Jews MormonsBaha’isNew agers… (632 communities in Italy)

The opening of the religious market /1

Traditionally single faith countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Denmark)Traditionally multi-faith countries (UK, The Netherlands, Finlands)

The opening of the religious market /2

A new, higher religious pluralism

Past and future

Jewish diaspora (70 c.e.)Islamic conquest (600-800)Crusades (1096-1270)Jewish-Islamic diaspora (1492)Shoah (1938-1945)Ethnic cleansing in the Balkans (1992-1995; 1998)

Issues and challenges

Rights for the new comersRelation with the indigenous communitiesSecularism versus religious traditionalismGeopolitical implications

The most controversial garment in the EU

Symbol of identitySymbol of religious freedomSymbol of separationSymbol of proselitismSymbol of oppression

Demographic trend and immigration

BLU LINE – How Europeans are getting oldRED LINE – How immigrants will balance the birth gap

Immigration fluxes

South NorthEast WestWest West

Religions and conflicts

Northern IrelandBalkans (Bosnia)Balkans (Kosovo)CyprusAlgeriaLebanonIsrael/Palestine

European Constitution (art. 52)1. The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the Member States.2. The Union equally respects the status under national law of philosophical and non-confessionalo rganisations.3. Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations.

Strategies

N/S CooperationE/W CooperationIntercultural programsImplementation of Religious pluralismInterfaith Dialogue

The dimensions of Interfaith dialogue

TheologicalEducational (news)

Social (school, public services, hospitals, cemeteries)

Political ( citizenship building)

Final Remarks

In the Euromediterranean Region religion plays a major social roleReligion is a missing factor in the international relationsInterfaith dialogue can be strategical in building a beloved community