Values for EuropeValues for Europe

 Our Christian political vision for Europe is being shaped by the following guiding principles:

1. We acknowledge that God, who makes Himself known through the Bible, is the source of all authority; He is the ruler of the world. Political authorities, including European level political authorities, are His servants.
2. We stand for the protection of life, because every life is sacred. This means:
   • protecting the unborn children and promoting care for pregnant women;
   • respecting the lives of the elderly people, supporting hospices and prohibiting euthanasia;
   • prohibiting the cloning of humans and animals.
3. We want to give a voice to the weak. We are convinced that governments have a special responsibility for those who cannot support themselves: those with disabilities, refugees, the socially disadvantaged and the poor in our own countries and abroad.
4. We affirm that the family is the cornerstone of society. It is the place where children should learn responsibility, values and the proper ways of living as responsible citizens. Families should be given all the space they need to fulfil such responsibilities. We do not support any policy that will negatively effect family life (i.e., tax or education policies undermining of marriage by making, for instance, same-sex-partnership possible).
5. We affirm the responsibility of every citizen for his/her own neighbourhood. However, we also stress the shared responsibilities of various organisations working towards the public good. Governments must create a sphere within which individuals and organisations are encouraged to take up their responsibilities.
6. We believe that Churches and other religious organisations have a valuable contribution to make in society. Full freedom of religion, for individuals, communities and organisations, must be a priority within Europe and in European foreign policy.
7. We recognise the different peoples of Europe. Therefore, national identity must be protected and sovereignty of States respected. We stand for a balance in power between the various nations and the European Union: the responsibilities for public affairs should be at a level as close to the citizens as possible. Also, besides individual rights, we want to point out the importance of collective rights of minorities.
8. We affirm that concern for God's Creation is a major part of Christian social politics. Exploiting natural resources should therefore be avoided. We should be stewards of Creation, thus a balanced sustainability of economy and environment must be a priority.