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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 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 • 900.000 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 (600-800) • Crusades (1096-1270) • Jewish-Islamic diaspora (1492) • Shoah (1938-1945) • Ethnic cleansing in the Balkans (1992-1995; 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 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 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.
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