Bishops call for renewed transatlantic partnership ahead of EU-US Summit

Archbishop José Horacio Gómez and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ

Source: COMECE

Bishops from both sides of the Atlantic released a joint declaration on Monday, calling for a renewed transatlantic relationship ahead of the June 2021 EU-US Summit. They encourage European and American policy-makers to work together for a stronger partnership at the service of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ and Archbishop José Horacio Gómez, Presidents of COMECE and USCCB respectively, issued a joint statement calling for a renewal of the transatlantic ties rooted in shared values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, justice, and respect for human life.

As many people and families around the world are still facing a time of severe uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cardinal Hollerich and Mgr Gómez, on behalf of EU and US Bishops, express hope that the upcoming Summit will result in redefining common priorities serving "a people-centered and just recovery from the pandemic and its consequences, intensifying common efforts for a more peaceful world, and strengthening the commitment to a better care for our common home".

While the Covid vaccine roll-out is swiftly advancing in the European Union and the United States of America, the Bishops remind political leaders that most of the countries are still far away from the prospect of a post-pandemic world, and encourage them to accelerate their efforts, including through the COVAX Facility, to ensure an equitable access to vaccines for all, especially the most poor and vulnerable.

Entitled 'Shared Responsibility for the Whole Human Family' and inspired by Pope Francis' Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, the declaration exhorts "the EU and the U.S. to be beacons of trust across the global community and engines for a reinvigoration of multilateral cooperation".

Hearing the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, the Catholic Church also calls on decision-makers to shape the transatlantic partnership according to the concept of integral ecology as outlined in Laudauto Si', which includes the challenge to address climate change as an opportunity to improve general living conditions, health, transport, energy, and security, and to create new job opportunities.

The statement concludes with prayers of EU and US Bishops for a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership, "not only for our citizens, but to also at the service of the whole human family. The Church on both sides of the Atlantic stands ready to contribute to these noble efforts of the decision-makers".

Read the full statement here: www.comece.eu/dl/ukuqJKJKkLLNJqx4KJK/2021-06-08_COMECE-USCCB_declaration_US-EU_Summit_FINAL_3_.pdf?ts=1623181391