French church leaders urge support for European Constitution

Published: 2005-03-30

PARIS (CNS) -- French church leaders have urged a yes vote in a referendum on the European Constitution, despite poll evidence of widespread opposition. "This treaty is a compromise -- as with every compromise, everyone has certain regrets and preferences," said the March 29 statement signed by Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox leaders. "We wish to underline what is at stake for the European Union's future, which will also determine our country's future, and the responsibility it has assumed from the beginning in building European unity," the statement said. The declaration said Christians could not "turn their backs" on the European Union or "allow themselves to be distracted by purely national issues or ancillary debates."

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