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)

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

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

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

A mosaic of minorities 22 million Muslims 1million Buddhists 1 million Hindus Jehova’s Witnesses 1 million Sikhs

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

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

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

Past and future Jewish diaspora (70 c.e.) Islamic conquest ( ) Crusades ( ) Jewish-Islamic diaspora (1492) Shoah ( ) Ethnic cleansing in the Balkans ( ; 1998)

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

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

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

Immigration fluxes South North East West West

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

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

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

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

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