Taoiseach meets with religious delegates from across EU

The Taoiseach has met with a delegation of officials from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union and the Conference of European Churches this morning (July 9).

This meeting was organised because of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council as part of the open, transparent and regular dialogue with faith groups, under Article 17 of the Treaty of the functioning of the European Union.

The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union is made up of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of all Member States of the European Union, led by an elected president.

While the Conference of European Churches comprises of 115 churches across Orthodox, Protestant and Anglican traditions. Led by Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin in the Church of Ireland.

Speaking about the meeting, Taoiseach Michael Martin said: “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.”