FCO in Action

Seminar: the Role of Faith in Europe, 2 June 2008

What is the role of faith in 21st century Europe?

The Delivering Global Europe seminar series is intended to encourage a British and European conversation about how we can ensure the EU delivers real value for UK and EU citizens.

Video by British Satellite News

The Role of Faith in Europe

Jim Murphy MP (right) with Yousif Al Khoei (left) and Stephen Timms MP (centre) at the Faith in Europe seminar, 2 June 2008.

Date: 2 June 2008
Venue: Lancaster House, London
Speakers:

  • Jim Murphy MP, Minister for Europe
  • Yousif Al Khoei, Al Khoei Foundation
  • Dr Elaine Storkey, President of Tearfund

Participants included representatives from a range of religious and inter-faith organisations, UK universities, trade unions, civil society groups and foreign diplomatic missions.

Discussions in the seminar

A number of representatives highlighted common issues:

Improved Co-operation:

  • Faith Groups need to work together if they wish to have greater influence in the institutions of the EU. 
  • There should be more joint working with non-faith groups and individuals for common goals.
  • Specific mechanisms for influencing the EU's institutions need to be identified.
  • The EU will need deeper debate about the role of faith in advance of possible Turkish accession.

Young people:

  • More resources need to be devoted to education.
  • Radicalism and fundamentalism should be exposed.
  • The media's influence in radicalising young people must be addressed.
  • The role of the family needs to be highlighted.

Identity:

  • The politics of identity requires deeper understanding in the context of increased migration.
  • Identities and multi-identities need to be taken more seriously.
  • The European identity could make a positive contribution to interfaith understanding.

Related documents

Jim Murphy speech: the Role of Faith in Europe

Jim Murphy's Guardian Politics Blog on the Faith in Europe seminar

Have your say

What do you think the role of faith should be in 21st century Europe?

You can use the box below to send us your comments on this or any of the other subjects raised in the Delivering Global Europe seminar series.

We'll read and consider all comments submitted, and pick a selection to appear on this site. We will publish a response to the discussions in the seminar series in June 2008.

Please note that we will not upload comments that are offensive, unrelated or too long.

 

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