French and German Bishops recall Elysée Treaty on its 50th
Anniversary
January 19, 2013: The French and German Bishops' Conferences published a joint declaration
on Friday marking the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, signed on
22 January 1963 by General Charles de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer to seal
the reconciliation between the two opposing nations after the Second World War. On
8 July 1962, both heads of state attended a Mass of reconciliation in the French cathedral
of Rheims. The Friday’s declaration stressed the friendship between the two peoples
and, reflecting on the peace gained at such a high price,. It also extended a call
for understanding in facing Europe's present and future.
The Church also celebrates
the 50th anniversary of the Elysee Treaty as "an opportunity to recall,
particularly for the youngest generations, that reconciliation is not an empty word
but an actual path."
"Simultaneously, the Elysee Treaty," the bishops said,
"was the height of the reconciliation between the two enemy nations and the starting
point for the deepening of friendly relations through political and social contact
at all levels. As bishops, we warmly embrace everything gained in the signing of the
'Treaty of Friendship'. Today, Franco-German friendship seems obvious and neither
politicians nor citizens have a feeling for the exceptional nature of these relations.
And yet, the friendship between our two countries and peoples is now more important
than ever for overcoming the current crisis and for shaping the future of Europe.”
"The crisis has revealed irresponsible behaviour in various areas and has sorely
tested the solidarity between the European countries. Solidarity and responsibility
must be more closely connected to the future of Europe. In this regard, the Franco-German
reconciliation remains an example of political responsibility and solidarity," reminded
the Declaration.
At the Mass of reconciliation in the cathedral of Rheims,
Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle "symbolized the awareness that politics is built
upon foundations that it cannot build itself. Love for one's enemies is a strong Gospel
demand that the two statesmen were capable of carrying out. Since then, the European
Union has brought peace and prosperity to its countries. With the economic crisis,
however, we see that contempt and mistrust between the European nations are reappearing:
the rejection of foreigners, the absence of solidarity, noted the Declaration of the
bishops.
The global economy and the cultural and religious mixture have given
rise to other enemies. All over Europe, populist movements advocating withdrawal into
self-interests are flourishing. The economic crisis reveals a moral crisis, where
the meaning of life no longer forms part of relationship with others or the demands
of justice."
France and Germany "can and must return to the history of their
reconciliation and friendship in order to face the consequences of our current problems.
We can also draw inspiration from the past in order to help the European Union establish
long-term, solid political structures and an authentic social market economy. We must
act to ensure that the respect for human dignity, the common good, and the principles
of solidarity and subsidiarity always guide European integration."