European Union
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Why the European Parenthood Certificate worries Christians
The European Parliament on Thursday agreed to a report calling for Europe-wide recognition of parenthood, to the displeasure of conservative politicians. Three questions and answers. ***What is this certificate about?*** The European Parliament wants EU countries to recognise parenthood across borders. A gay couple with children who moves from a…
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EU doubts about enlargement; what do Moldovan Christians think?
For Moldovan Christians, joining the European Union means freedom. “We bring new, conservative voices.” Valeriu Ghile?chi has high expectations from the EU. The former Moldovan MP hopes that European government leaders will decide on Thursday and Friday to start negotiations with his country to join the Union. “Europe is at…
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All Christian leaders urge congregants to combat climate change
More religious leaders are calling on their congregations to act against the climate crisis. Earlier this month, Pope Francis pleaded with religious leaders that living a “respectful and sustainable lifestyle” is possible against a rapidly warming climate. His call to action came in the form of a YouTube video that…
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Europe's Jews on edge as anti-Semitic violence rises to record levels
As the Israel-Hamas war continues to rage, many Jewish communities in Europe are seeing sharp rises in hate-based crimes. “This feels like being in Poland in 1941.” Several Jews now feel that they can no longer wear the star of David in public. Some have taken down their Jewish mezuzahs…
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How Europe prepares for the arrival of Advent
With Advent coming soon, many European communities have begun to celebrate the season before Christmas. The season of Advent consists of four Sundays that precede Christmas Day, which is December 25th. Each country has their own unique traditions in preparing for what is to come- the birth of Christ. Hungary…
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Why European Christians are experiencing increasing pressure
The number of hate crimes against European Christians is rising, a watchdog reports. Why is that? Over 40 per cent. That is the scope of the increase in reported hate crimes against Christians, says the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians (OIDAC). These include physical attacks and vandalism. Report:…
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European Commissioner highlights need for more justice and equality in family and migration
On 13 September 2023, the European Commission presented its annual State of the Union Address. The issue of childcare needs correction said European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen. She noticed that many parents, mostly mothers, are struggling to reconcile work and family because there is no childcare. The Union is…
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European politicians fear changing tide in surrogacy debate
Surrogacy violates human rights and should therefore be banned, some European parliamentarians say. But that is easier said than done, experts warn. The experts and MEP gathered at a conference on surrogacy on Tuesday in the European Parliament in Brussels. According to the organisers, the European Union is taking initiatives…
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New story has to fill the space Christianity left
Once, Christianity brought order to the world. But the days of order are over, according to the people behind the recently formed Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC). A new narrative is therefore needed. “Christians can help ARC go deeper.” People are better off than a hundred years ago. But the…
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Christians speak out on Europe's demographic future
When 25-year-old Moushir Youssef came to study in the Netherlands, he noticed something different. As a Christian from Cairo, Egypt, he no longer saw the familiar scenes of families with their many children behind them. Instead, couples walked with few or no children. Back in his homeland, this phenomenon sparked…