Article June 24, 2013 Issue

European unity: What is the real need?

Michaela von Burski, Myriam Betouche, Elizabeth Mata

For many Europeans, it seems like a miracle that the continent has come so far since the end of World War II. Instead of fearful and hostile relations, members of the European Union (EU), some of whom were bitter enemies during the war, have been engaged in trade and peaceful collaboration for many years. In 1999, several EU countries formed a monetary union, and, since then, 17 countries have adopted the euro. Continuing financial difficulties within some of the eurozone nations pose serious challenges to the collective whole and could impact the world economy. In this article, writers from Europe share spiritual insights from their prayers and also describe some of the conditions in Europe that need prayer. 

Michaela von Burski, writing from Germany, observes: People and organizations with visions for world peace advanced the concept of a united Europe after World War II. Among them was Moral Rearmament (MRA), which helped to build bridges of friendship between two adversaries, Germany and France, and which promoted the idea that there had to be a moral and ethical foundation for stable peace and cooperation among nations. 

Today, Europe faces many economic and political challenges, and a larger role for morality and ethics can help us. Instead of accepting corruption, limited thinking, and unwillingness to change as realities, our prayers can reject these traits as impositions and insist that God’s government prevail. Even under the dire economic circumstances that are affecting some eurozone countries, peaceful and constructive attitudes and actions are possible when we are inspired by this much greater vision of God’s love for humanity. 