The key role of Christianity in Europe must be officially recognised by the continents new constitution, the Archbishop of Birmingham said. The Most Rev Vincent Nichols (left) head of the Roman Catholic Church in the West Midlands, entered the row over the role of God in the EU following the intervention of the Pope. A controversial new constitution for Europe is to be discussed by EU leaders in October. It includes a preamble highlighting Europes philosophical achievements. But although it mentions the cultural, religious and humanist inheritance of Europe, there is no direct reference to God. Roman Catholic countries including Malta and Poland and some leading politicians in Italy and Germany have demanded the role of religion, and specifically Christianity, be recognised. Opponents include Birmingham MP Gisela Stuart (Lab, Edgbaston) a member of the Convention on the Future of Europe, which drew up the draft constitution. She said a Europe which claims to have a special link with Christianity would be unable fully to include followers of other religions, such as the 216,000 Muslims in the West Midlands. The Vatican released a document, Ecclesia in Europa, over the weekend and Archbishop Nichols was one of two archbishops the other was from Poland invited to the launch in Rome. Archbishop Nichols said the document is marked throughout by the style and clear convictions of Pope John Paul II. The Church in Western Europe must be realistic about its own life, if it is to play its part in the revitalisation of the soul of Europe, said the Archbishop. The Europe project stands at a critical juncture with new members about to join and the elaboration of a constitution now well advanced. Repeatedly, this document calls for honesty about the reality of Europe in the way it is described and envisaged in that draft constitution. No presentation of Europe can be honest if it fails to recognise the part already played, and still played, by Christianity in the shaping of Europe. To omit such matters would be an act of ideology and unworthy of the framers of such an historic document. He said Europe must be a tireless worker for peace and this required faith. Europe needs to construct what this document calls a solidarity that is global rather than become a block that is closed and unwelcoming. In this project the motivations and vision of faith are essential. In todays world, Europe must be a tireless worker for peace. He insisted a Europe which failed to recognise the role of Christianity would not be more inclusive. I am convinced that the project of building a multi-cultural, multi-racial Europe cannot be achieved in secular terms. The Vatican document points out that religious faith was crucial for the majority of people in Europe, he said. Faith expresses their deepest convictions and must be seen to have its part in the building of a new Europe. | 
