A network of more than 600 NGOs working to combat racism in all the EU member states, the European Network against Racism (ENAR) feels worried by the current controversy over an explicit reference to religion in the future EU constitution.

Pope John Paul II has repeatedly stated that "Europe cannot deny its Christian heritage, since a great part of its achievements in the fields of law, art, literature and philosophy have been influenced by the evangelical message (...) Europe will need to draw inspiration with creative fidelity from the Christian roots that have defined European history."

ENAR Chair Bashy Quraishy comments: "There is no denying that Christianity has made a decisive contribution to European identity, but then so has Judaism and Islam, both present for centuries on European soil. Furthermore, Europe is becoming increasingly multicultural and multireligious, something an EU constitution should reflect. We feel that a constitutional text of such importance should either find a wording which pays tribute to the existing variety of spiritual riches, or not mention spiritual values altogether."

By: European Network Against Racism
Contact: bashy@get2net.dk