Taoiseach’s meeting with European Church Organisations

The Taoiseach met in Government Buildings this morning with a joint delegation from the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC).

The meeting was organised in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council as part of the open, transparent and regular dialogue with faith and non-confessional groups that is provided for under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

COMECE comprises the Catholic Bishops' Conferences of all Member States of the European Union. Its delegation was led by its President, HE Mgr. Mariano Crociata, Bishop of the Diocese of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno in Italy.

The CEC brings together 115 churches from Orthodox, Protestant, and Anglican traditions from all over Europe. Its delegation was led by HE Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough in the Church of Ireland.

The discussion covered a range of issues, including social cohesion, competitiveness, peace and security, migration and asylum policies, and EU enlargement.

Speaking after the meeting, the Taoiseach remarked:

"I was delighted to welcome representatives of European church organisations to Government Buildings today at the start of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council.

"We had a warm, constructive and engaging meeting, during which the need for the European Union to develop a strategic approach to peace and resolution of conflict was underlined.

"We agreed on the importance of nurturing, protecting and respecting civic space, and of Europe always remaining steadfast to the values that underpin the Union.

"Our churches and faith communities play a unique role in European society - socially, culturally and spiritually.

"It is important that we continue to protect religious freedom and tolerance and engage in constructive dialogue on the issues of importance to all of us."

ENDS