Vatican rebuffed in quest for privileged place for religion in European Constitution. (The Church and State).THE MUCH-DEBATED DRAFT of the European Constitution has been published, with no mention of God or Christianity in the preamble, despite intense pressure from the Vatican. The governments of the 15 member states and the ten Accession Countries Accession countries is commonly used to refer to countries that have or will join the European Union ("EU"). Although the term should properly be used for countries that have yet to join the EU but whose date of accession has been finalized, the term came into common usage prior to have to ratify the document before it is finally adopted, probably by mid-2004. Cardinal Roberto Tucci His Eminence Cardinal Roberto Tucci S.J., Ph.D, S.T.D. (19 April 1921-) is a Roman Catholic Cardinal and theologian. He was created Cardinal by Pope John Paul II. He was born in Naples, Italy. , chairman of Vatican Radio, described the draft as "an offence to reason, to good sense and to a good part of Europe's citizens," claiming that the reference to "religious heritage" was "inadequate." However, Article I-51, entitled Status of Churches and Non-Confessional Organisations, raised concern among activists promoting the separation of church and state
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 of philosophical and non-confessional organisations. 3. Recognising their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organisations. The National Secular Society The National Secular Society is a British organisation which promotes secularism. It was founded by Charles Bradlaugh in 1866. The society is a member organisation of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and endorses the Amsterdam Declaration 2002. in the UK argued that this clause "could be used by churches to thwart and interfere with progressive legislation that they consider conflicts with their doctrines. The Vatican in particular was jubilant when this was published, as it is quite clear that the Roman Catholic church Roman Catholic Church, Christian church headed by the pope, the bishop of Rome (see papacy and Peter, Saint). Its commonest title in official use is Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. intends to use this clause to push its own agenda in EU law making." Catholics for a Free Choice Catholics for a Free Choice (CFFC) is a pro-choice political organization whose founders hold the belief that "the Catholic tradition supports a woman's moral and legal right to follow her conscience in matters of sexuality and reproductive health. joined a diverse group of religious, environmental, humanist and reproductive rights groups, along with professional non-governmental organizations from throughout Europe to lobby against granting religion privileged status in the constitution. Members of the coalition said that granting churches a privileged institutional status is incompatible with secularism sec·u·lar·ism n. 1. Religious skepticism or indifference. 2. The view that religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education. and expressed particular concern about the Vatican attaining a privileged status, given its poor record on issues related to women. |
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