Changes

The In light of the proposed [[w:Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe|European Constitution]] of 2004, the Orthodox Church Churches in Europe, along with other European churches, had petitioned the European Union (EU) for the inclusion of a clause in the proposed Constitution of 2004, to formally recognize Europe's Christian heritage. Although This was done especially to safeguard that heritage and traditional Christian values from the modern threat of [[w:Militant atheism|militant secularism]].<ref group="note" name="Order">From the draft text perspective of the 2004 Constitution attempted Church [[w:Secular humanism|Secular Humanism]] is defined as a religious philosophical worldview based on [[atheism]], [[w:Naturalism (philosophy)|naturalism]], [[evolution]], and [[w:Moral relativism|ethical relativism]], attempting to take these concerns into consideration (in its Preamble function as a civilized society with the total exclusion of [[God]] and in one His moral principles. At a 2006 conference between the [[Church of its ArticlesRussia|Russian Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] Churches confronting [[w:Secular humanism|Secular Humanism]], Bishop [[Hilarion (Alfeyev)of Vienna|Hilarion Alfeyev]] called in most resolute terms for '''an institutionalized Orthodox-Catholic alliance''', without which, he said, nevertheless it did would not specifically mention be possible to defend traditional values in Europe: ''"What we are witnessing is the final attack of militant secularism on the remains of Christian roots of civilization in Europe. The Constitution was signed "''<br>Note also that at its 50th anniversary World Humanist Congress in October 20042002, but was ultimately rejected in referendums by France the [[w:International Humanist and Ethical Union|International Humanist and Ethical Union]] (IHEU) published its ''"[[w:Amsterdam Declaration|Amsterdam Declaration]]",'' the Netherlands in 2005defining statement of worldwide secular Humanism, embracing Humanist, atheist, rationalist, secular, skeptic, Ethical Culture, freethought and similar organisations worldwide. </ref>

After a two-year period, on 23 June 2007, Although the EU leaders agreed on a detailed mandate for a new Intergovernmental Conference whose task was to draw up a Reform Treaty by the end of 2007. Many parts draft text of the original 2004 Constitution of 2004 were set attempted to be included. At the take these concerns into consideration, in its ''Preamble''European Council and in one of Lisbonits ''Articles'' in October 2007, nevertheless it did ''not'' specifically mention the Reform Treaty text Christian roots of Europe. The Constitution was approved by all 27 EU leaders between 18-19 signed in October, 2007. This treaty carried over the Preamble and Article from the 2004 text dealing with the status of churches in the member states; however, once again, specific mention of Europe's Christian heritage but was not included ultimately rejected in referendums by France and the final textNetherlands in 2005.

"After a two-year period, on 23 June 2007, the EU leaders agreed on a detailed mandate for a new Intergovernmental Conference whose task was to draw up a Reform Treaty by the end of 2007. Many parts of the original Constitution of 2004 were set to be included. At the ''European Council of Lisbon'' in October 2007, the [[w:Treaty of Lisbon|Reform Treaty]] text was approved by all 27 EU leaders between 18-19 October, 2007. This treaty carried over the ''Preamble'' and the ''Article'' from the 2004 text dealing with the status of churches in the member states; however, once again, specific mention of Europe's Christian heritage was ''not'' included in the final text. The official signing of the Reform Treaty by the 27 heads of states and governments will take took place on 13 December 2007 in Lisbon; following this, each . Having later been ratified by all 27 of the EU member states will need to ratify , the treaty by the end of 2008, allowing the text to come entered into force in January on [[December 1]], 2009."<ref>ZENIT: The World Seen from Rome. [http://www.zenit.org/article-20796?l=english EUROPEAN BISHOPS PRAISE UNION'S NEW TREATY: Says Debate Over Christian Roots Is Not Over]. October 21, 2007.</ref>

Although Christianity is the largest religion in Europe, the EU is a secular body, with a separation of church and state. There are no formal ties to any religion and no mention of religion in any current or proposed treaty. Of the Union's 27 states, only five have an official state religion, these being Cyprus ([[Church of Cyprus|Cypriot Orthodox Church]]), Greece ([[Image:722px-Europe_religion_map_enChurch of Greece]]), Denmark (Danish National Church), Malta ([[Roman Catholic Church]]) and England and Scotland in the UK (Church of England and Church of Scotland). Some other churches have a close relationship with the state.<ref> Ferrari, Silvio. ''"Silvio Ferrari on “Church and State in Europe”".'' Concordat Watch.</ref><ref group="note">European countries with significant Eastern Orthodox populations are Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, easternmost Hungary, a small minority in Southern Italy, Kazakhstan, sizable minorities in Albania, Latvia and Lithuania, small minority in Poland, and Finland (Karelia).png</ref>  ===Threat of Secular Humanism===In 2006 the [[Church of Russia|rightRussian Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic Church|thumbRoman Catholic]] Churches confronted [[w:Secular humanism|375pxSecular Humanism]] at the conference ''"[http://www.pro-oriente.at/?site=ps20060511124020 Giving a Soul to Europe]"'' (Vienna, May 3-5, 2006),<ref group="note">The conference was organized jointly by the [[w:Pontifical Council for Culture|Predominant religions in EuropePontifical Council for Culture]] and the [http://www.mospat.ru/en/ Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate]].</ref> discussing the challenges facing Christianity, specifically materialism, consumerism, agnosticism, secularism and relativism, all based on liberal humanist ideology, constituting a real threat to Christianity today.<ref group="note" name=Actual wording "Order"/>  In the secularising EU, the [[w:Holy See|Vatican]] has also been vocal against a perceived "[[w:Militant atheism|militant atheism]]", this being based this on a number of events, including the original Draft Constitutional rejection of Christian religious references in the Constitution and Treaty of 2004==Lisbon.  * TITLE VIIn another highly charged case, in November 2009 the [[w: The Democratic Life European Court of Human Rights|European Court of Human Rights]] ruled against the use of crucifixes in classrooms in Italy, prompting a backlash from the Union* Article I-52Vatican, the [[Church of Greece]], the [[Church of Russia]] and others;<refgroup="note">INTERFAX-RELIGION News. ''“[http://eurwww.interfax-lexreligion.europa.eucom/JOHtml.do?uriact=news&div=OJ6614 ECHR's banning of crucifix in Italian schools could destabilize Europe - Russian Church.]”'' Nov. 5, 2009.<br>David Quinn (Irish Independent). ''“[http:C//www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/david-quinn-the-european-court-of-human-rights-is-part-of-an-aggressive-and-belligerent-drive-towards-secularism-1935799.html The European Court of Human Rights is part of an aggressive and belligerent drive towards secularism.]”'' Nov. 6, 2009.<br>National Secular Society. ''“[http:2004//www.secularism.org.uk/115187.html Gas is turned up on the battle for a secular society.]”'' Fri. Nov. 6. 2009.<br>Zenit.org. ''“[http:310//zenit.org/article-27532?l=english Cardinal Affirms Common Goals With Orthodox.]”'' Nov. 12, 2009.<br>Malcolm Brabant (BBC News). ''“[http:SOM//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8358027.stm Greek Church Acts on Crucifix ban.]”'' Thurs. Nov. 12, 2009.<br>Taiwan news. ''[http:EN//www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1107622&lang=eng_news Austrian bishops criticize Italian crucifix ruling.]'' Nov. 13, 2009.</ref> Cardinal Walter Kasper affirmed a few days later that:HTML Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe]''"Our enemies today are not other confessions, but secularism and godlessness."''<ref>Zenit.org. 16 December 2004 (2004''“[http://C 310zenit.org/01)article-27532?l=english Cardinal Affirms Common Goals With Orthodox].”'' Nov. Full text of the Draft Constitutional Treaty of the European Union12, 2009.</ref>* Status of churches Since the November 2009 case above, cases have abounded in which the state has sided with individuals clamouring to expunge religious symbols, holidays, prayer and noneven Christian conscience from public life.<ref name=CATH-confessional organisations#REG>''[http://www.catholicregister.org/columns/item/14053-insult-to-the-cross Insult to the cross]. '''Catholic Register'''The Union respects and does not prejudice . 13 March 2012 16:07.</ref> In 2012, actions by the British government elevated state-sponsored religious intolerance to a new level, as the status under national law coalition government of churches David Cameron declared that citizens have no right to wear a cross around their necks at work and religious associations or communities can be required to remove their cross if ordered by the boss, resulting in the Member Statesdismissal if they refuse.<ref name="CATH-REG"/> The case (''#[[w:Eweida v British Airways plc|Eweida v British Airways plc]]''The Union equally respects ) has been taken to the European Court of Human Rights, which is to decide on whether the status right to wear a cross is protected under national law Article 9 of philosophical and nonthe European Convention on Human Rights:<ref name=EU-TIMES>''[http://www.eutimes.net/2012/03/uk-denies-christians-right-to-wear-confessional organisationscrucifix/ UK denies Christians right to wear crucifix].''#''Recognizing their identify and their specific contribution'The European Union Times'''. Mar 13th, 2012.</ref> :Article 9 states: “Everyone has the Union shall maintain an openright to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, transparent and regular dialogue freedom, either alone or in community with these churches others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and organisationsobservance.''”<ref name="EU-TIMES"/>

However the authorities insisted that since wearing the cross is not a “requirement of the faith” it does not fall under the remit of Article 9.<ref name===Why no reference "EU-TIMES"/> Ultimately, in January 2013 the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that British Airways violated employee Nadia Eweida's right to freedom of religion by firing her for wearing a crucifix at work, with the Strasbourg court awarding the Coptic Orthodox Christian 32,000 euros in compensation.<ref>''[http://rt.com/news/cross-british-court-win-031/ Crucifix Battle: British Airways to Godpay 32,000 euro after sacking woman for wearing cross].'' '''RT.com.''' 15 January, 2013, 20:23.</ref><ref>''[http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1315079--christian-employee-discriminated-against-for-wearing-crucifix-court-rules Christian employee discriminated against for wearing crucifix, court rules].'' '''Toronto Star''' (AP). January 15, 2013.</ref> Nevertheless the court rejected discrimination cases by three other Christian claimants.<ref>''[http://www.zenit.org/article-36347?l=english 'Obsessive Political Correctness' Trumps Freedom of Conscience].'' ZENIT: The World Seen From Rome. 2013-01-16.</ref><ref group==In an official press release "note">"While European Dignity Watch applauds the Union answered various questions about finding of a violation of Article 9 in the ConstitutionEweida case, including the reason why reasoning of the majority of the judges in the reference to God was not included three other cases has marked a new step in the final text discrimination against Christians who act according to their consciences or wear a non-controversial sign of the Constitution:their faith."</ref>

:''In some countries, the national constitution traditionally contains a reference to God. When the 'Constitution for Europe' text was being drafted and negotiated, some governments said they wanted it to include a reference to God or to the Christian tradition ==Actual wording of the Union. Others, defending the secular nature [[w:Treaty of the State and its neutrality with regard to different religions, didn't want any specific religion to be named in the text of the European Constitution.<br><br>Lisbon|Lisbon Treaty]]==[[Image:''In its preamble, the Constitution recognises that the EU draws inspiration from Europe's cultural, religious and humanist inheritance722px-Europe_religion_map_en. This wording is neutral and appropriate. Indeed, any reference to individual png|right|thumb|375px|Predominant religions could be seen as causing division between European citizens.<br><br>:''In addition, Article I-52 of the Constitution obliges the Union to engage in an open, transparent and regular dialogue with churches and religious associations, just as it does with civil societyEurope.<br><br>:''Finally, the Charter of Fundamental Rights now enshrined in the Constitution lays down that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article II-70).<ref>EUROPA Rapid Press Releases. [http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/05/112&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en Questions & answers on the Constitution].</ref><br>==Actual wording of the new Reform Treaty approved 18-19 October 2007==]

::'' "‘DRAWING INSPIRATION from the '''cultural, religious and humanist inheritance ''' of Europe, from which have developed the universal values of the inviolable and inalienable rights of the human person, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law,’;" ''<ref>[http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:C:2007:306:0010:0041:EN:PDF C 306/10]. EN. '''Official Journal of the European Union.''' 17.12.2007.</ref>