ECPM vice-president and chairwoman of Bündnis C, Karin Heepen, opened the event by welcoming everyone, introducing the speakers and highlighting the importance of the relationship between the European party- ECPM- and its German member- Bündnis C.

Márton Gyöngyösi, ECPM Director for Political Relations, shared with the participants the role of European political parties and presented ECPM’s work, our MEPs, and their position in the current setup of the European Parliament.

He also presented the priorities of the new European Commission. First, a free and democratic Europe, which encompasses upholding European values within the EU and living up to these values at a global level. Europe is to be strong and secure in current times when the world order that dominated the world since WWII is challenged by other powers. Secondly, ensuring coherent and influential external action by increasing the strength of European security and defence that can protect the EU citizens. A strong Union must approach migration and border management in a comprehensive way. Finally, a prosperous and competitive Europe.

Gyöngyösi outlined where ECPM stands in today’s Europe highlighting key points from ECPM’s political program: a Europe whose Christian roots are valued and acts as a facilitator; belief in the intrinsic value of every human being; ECPM’s relational view of the economy that prioritizes well-being for all; belief in healthy families as the basis for thriving societies; the commitment to fight all forms of human trafficking; and the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Finally, he underlined the dangers emanating from different political corners who use Christianity opportunistically as means to achieve political goals.

Ludwig Grünert, founder of Bündnis C Youth, briefed participants on the latest ECPYouth Summer School in Bucharest which was attended by representatives from 14 countries.  Participants reflected on the Christian roots of Europe and the need for people of faith active in politics to stand firm, look for role models and allies in order to become trailblazers themselves and contribute to society.

Michael Ragg, writer and reporter, concluded the event with a lecture on the origins of European values. He spoke at length about the Christian roots of Europe and highlighted the fact that the soul of Europe was Christianity. Christianity brought to Europe the idea of human dignity. Throughout history, Christians upheld the dignity of the marginalized in society. He further elaborated on how the concept of human dignity influenced different aspects of societal behaviour. He gave examples of solidarity and helping the fellow man (following the parable of the good Samaritan); giving a special value to children (“let the children come to me”); equality between women and men; freedom of expression; and a Christian work ethic following the command “subdue the earth” which opened the way for explorations and technological advancement.

Today, our culture is in decline to some extent, Ragg continued. Oswald Spengler, in his book “The Fall of the West”, written 100 years ago, presents a pessimistic theory. Cultures are like plants – they grow and eventually die. Christianity, however, does not follow this pattern. On the other hand, philosopher Arnold Toynbee supported the view that cultures don’t perish, they don’t collapse, but they self-destruct. When things become critical, when a culture is at a crossroads, disorientation occurs.

It is not the masses that decide the direction of a culture but creative minorities. In the Roman Empire, Christians were only 15% of the population but they were determined, connected, and they became a decisive force. Christians should give orientation today to a society that has largely forgotten what defines our culture. We have more to offer to our environment than we believe. Even if we lack the power and numbers, we can inspire others and spark new ideas.