Polish minister speaks on values

It is not possible to debate the European Constitution without earlier debate on Christian values and adopting European Nations Rights Charter said Polish deputy prime minister Roman Giertych during an unofficial conference of European ministers of education in Heidelberg. He emphasised that Europe needs values for the observance of which called John Paul II.

„Europe was founded on the basis of Christianity, Greek culture and Roman law. He also stressed that the Jewish culture was an important factor in building Europe`s identity.”

In his view building Europe and its legal system without a debate on values is a “mistake”. It`s not possible to build framework not based on common values. Nation`s sovereignty, right to life for unborn children and family as a basic unit of societies are foundations which should spark a debate on the future of Europe – said Giertych.

The minister stressed also that these issues gain a special weight especially in the face of a deep social and demographic crisis which the Old Continent is experiencing. To avert it, it`s necessary to go back to John Paul II`s message.

As he said, “on entering the EU Poland took up the obligation of fulfilling the Pope`s teaching. We must contribute to Europe. These things are Christian values and protection of life”.


Kamil Szczęch