COMECE’s Urgent Call for Action

On December 4, 2024, the European Parliament hosted the 27th edition of the European Prayer Breakfast, where the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) made a compelling case for the appointment of an EU Coordinator dedicated to combating anti-Christian hatred. The conference, themed “Safeguarding Religious Freedom in Europe – Current Challenges and Future Prospects,” underscored the urgency of addressing rising anti-Christian sentiments across Europe.

Alessandro Calcagno, COMECE’s adviser on fundamental rights and Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), articulated the pressing need for equal protection of religious freedoms, emphasizing that all dimensions of this fundamental right should be safeguarded. “Freedom of religion is too often seen as a ‘problematic’ right,” Calcagno remarked. He stressed that the collective dimension of religious freedom must be prioritized alongside individual rights, warning against the dangers of reducing tolerance to a mere substitute for genuine protection.

Calcagno highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities, particularly regarding the visibility of religious symbols and expressions. He asserted that as long as these expressions are viewed as potentially offensive or coercive, true freedom of religion remains unattainable. The conference emphasized the importance of mainstreaming religious freedom protections in EU policies, including the safeguarding of places of worship and data protection measures.

A pivotal moment came when Calcagno called for the establishment of an EU Coordinator specifically to combat anti-Christian hatred, reinforcing that this is not about creating a hierarchy of victimhood but ensuring equitable access to protective measures. “The time is mature for this step,” he stated, acknowledging the existing coordinators for Jewish and Muslim communities while advocating for similar support for Christians.

The discussion also touched on the vital role of religious literacy in fostering understanding and respect among different faiths. Calcagno urged public authorities and institutions to engage with religious education to develop informed policies that effectively address discrimination based on religion.

The conference concluded with a call to action, urging policymakers to leverage Article 17.3 of the TFEU to translate discussions into concrete policy initiatives rather than remaining at the level of abstract principles. The event was moderated by MEP Paulius Saudargas from Lithuania and featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Katharina von Schnurbein, the EU Coordinator on combating antisemitism, and Anja Hoffmann, Executive Director of The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe.

As the European Prayer Breakfast drew to a close, H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, offered a prayer, invoking blessings for the participants and the vital work ahead in safeguarding religious freedom across Europe. The call for an EU Coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred signals a significant step towards ensuring that all religious communities in Europe receive the protection and respect they deserve.