In view of the upcoming decision of the European Court on the displaying of religious symbols in public schools, we would like to underline the importance that this has in relation to the religious feelings of the peoples and traditions of European nations.
Europe, due to its very Christianity, has affirmed the autonomy of the spiritual and temporal spheres, and has been open for some time now to religious pluralism, showing respect for the rights of both believers and non-believers. It does so even more in these days as other religions spread and take advantage of this multicultural reality.
The presence of Christian religious symbols, in particular that of the cross, which reflects the religious feeling of Christians of all denominations, has no intention of excluding anyone, but expresses a tradition which everyone knows and recognizes on account of its high value and role as a catalyst of dialogue with every person of good will and a support for the suffering and for those in need, without distinction of faith, ethnicity or nationality.
In the Christian culture and religious tradition the cross manifests the common salvation and freedom of humanity (cf. St. John Christostom, In Matthew, 54,7). It does not impose a religion, but expresses the highest altruism and generosity, and the deepest solidarity offered to all.
Consequently, societies at Christian tradition should not refuse the public display of their religious symbols, particularly in places where their children are educated; otherwise those societies would fail to transmit to future generations their own identity and values. They would be societies that contradict themselves and reject the living spiritual and cultural heritage in which they find their roots and openness to the future.
Furthermore, we recall that, in all European countries, the right to freedom of religion exists and grows stronger and that in various countries other religious symbols are allowed by law or by spontaneous acceptance. Churches and Christian communities favour dialogue everywhere with other Churches and religions, and act as an integral part of their respective national realities. When it comes to symbols, national realities are acquainted with various laws and an autonomous social and juridical evolution, which must be respected in the framework of a correct relationship between states and European institutions. Dialogue between religions and people of every opinion can be developed in a Europe where there is freedom of religion for all, and respect for the ancient traditions of each people and nation.