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The “R” factor in the Euromediterranean Region

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).

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The “R” factor in the Euromediterranean Region

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  1. The “R” factor in the Euromediterranean Region Religion, politics, conflicts, dialogue Casa Cares February 12th 2005

  2. The Mediterranean • Too small to split (interdependance) • Too large to link (fragmentation – Euromediterranean sub-regions) (Bichara Khader)

  3. Religions in the EU • Christians 80,86 • Muslims 2,96 • Jews 0,31 • No religious 12,76 • Atheist 2,43

  4. Christian denominations in the EU • Catholics 57% • Protestants evangelicals 13,11 • Other evangelicals 1,99 • Anglicans 5,61 • Orthodox, 3,38

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

  6. A mosaic of minorities • 22 million Muslims • 1million Buddhists • 1 million Hindus • 900.000 Jehova’s Witnesses • 1 million Sikhs

  7. Other minorities • Jews • Mormons • Baha’is • New agers • … (632 communities in Italy)

  8. The opening of the religious market /1 • Traditionally single faith countries (Italy, Spain, Greece, Denmark) • Traditionally multi-faith countries (UK, The Netherlands, Finlands)

  9. The opening of the religious market /2 • A new, higher religious pluralism

  10. 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)

  11. Issues and challenges • Rights for the new comers • Relation with the indigenous communities • Secularism versus religious traditionalism • Geopolitical implications

  12. The most controversial garment in the EU • Symbol of identity • Symbol of religious freedom • Symbol of separation • Symbol of proselitism • Symbol of oppression

  13. Demographic trend and immigration • BLU LINE – How Europeans are getting old • RED LINE – How immigrants will balance the birth gap

  14. Immigration fluxes • South North • East West • West West

  15. Religions and conflicts • Northern Ireland • Balkans (Bosnia) • Balkans (Kosovo) • Cyprus • Algeria • Lebanon • Israel/Palestine

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

  17. Strategies • N/S Cooperation • E/W Cooperation • Intercultural programs • Implementation of Religious pluralism • Interfaith Dialogue

  18. The dimensions of Interfaith dialogue • Theological • Educational (news) • Social (school, public services, hospitals, cemeteries) • Political ( citizenship building)

  19. Final Remarks • In the Euromediterranean Region religion plays a major social role • Religion is a missing factor in the international relations • Interfaith dialogue can be strategical in building a beloved community

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