EN-RE's 2025 annual Conference was held at Strasbourg from Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1 at the Centre-St-Thomas
The Conference was held in hybrid form with the presence of 8 delegates in Strasbourg and two by zoom
After an initial discussion, on the Friday afternoon, the meeting adjourned for a round table discussion on the subject For Justice and Peace in Europe today. Henk Baars, head of EN-RE's delegation to the Council of Europe, introduced the speakers: Marc Stenger and Alphonso Zardi with François Becker as moderator.
• Marc: Many of his recommendations appear in an article by Laurent Larcher in the newspaper La Croix, dated 28 March 2025, entitled "Faced with Russia, Catholics divided on the need to prepare for war.
The vote on the European Union's 800 billion credit line is clearly an option for war in favour of European rearmament. What justifies this option?
Before asking the question of a just peace, let us ask the question of a just war. The concept of a just war is only acceptable as a last resort, after all non-violent solutions have been explored.
Another question is that of sanctions, which are necessary in the context of the unjust and threatening exercise of power.
These sanctions, which are tolerable in a crisis context, must not sidestep the long-term challenge of a complete transformation of the framework of international relations. This opens the way to promoting a just peace
• Alfonso: how can we be peacemakers?
A first principle: reject hatred: ‘you shall not have my hatred’!
A second principle: ‘let's talk’ prioritise dialogue.
In everyday life: renounce aggression, do not engage in relationships or human interactions based on violence. Welcoming refugees following wars.
Political action: ‘ask questions’:
what else could the money spent on war be used for?
why are we helping Ukraine?
what should we think of pacifism?
The role of the Church, gestures of peace, praying for peace.
• Testimony of François Becker:
Nelson Mandela is known for having implemented a vast reconciliation plan in South Africa between two populations, one actively involved in apartheid policies and the other victims of racism and exclusion. Several countries and organisations have embarked on a similar process. This is the case of Basque Christians who are mobilising for a process of reconciliation after years of violence and even crimes in the service of nationalist causes.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
On Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1, the review of delegate reports followed, including those of Marleen Wijeweld and Ricardo Gayol who were unable to be present either presentially or by zoom. See delegates at work during the working sessions on Saturday and Sunday (22, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33)
