movement to "offset" the European People’s Party (EPP), an official said.
The Foreign Secretary of the Dutch ChristianUnion party, Gerard Geijtenbeek told BosNewsLife that the ‘Christian Political Movement for Europe’ could become a new block in the European Parliament if the EPP refuses "to follow a more Christian" direction.
"Many Christians in former Communist countries that are expected to join the European Union do not recognize themselves in the liberal line of the EPP," he added after talks in the small town of Lakitelek, about 100 kilometres (apr. 60 miles) south of Budapest.
"I think that the EPP thought that EU enlargement would mean that Christian parties from the new member states automatically join its ranks. But the problem is that the EPP is not much pro-life oriented when issues are at stake such as family, marriage or abortion, " Geijtenbeek said.
DECLARATION
His opinion was also reflected in a declaration signed after the three-day meeting by several Christian parties. In it the signatories stressed they "thank God" for "the liberation of Europe from Communism" and the new era of freedom.
But they warned that "in the midst of new external and internal challenges, Europe cannot renounce her Christian values and the cultural-spiritual traditions…" They added that "Jesus Christ calls us to follow him in every era of our lives, including the realm of politics."
Next year the movement will decide whether to start a block which Geijtenbeek said could include "up to 20 countries" before the EU expands in 2004. The ChristianUnion will also support education for young politicians in Hungary, which is among 10 candidates to join the organization within two years.
"CHRISTIAN VISION"
Geijtenbeek stressed that the movement will help the EU to formulate a "clear Christian vision" which he said is needed "as an increasing number of people from Islamic countries are arriving here to help the aging population" in countries such as Germany.
He admitted there has been international concern about percent nationalism and even anti-Semitism among some of the East European centre-right and Christian parties, but stressed that these sentiments are not welcome in the new movement.
The Spokesman of the centre-right Hungarian Democratic Forum said his party abandoned the "radical nationalist" movements within its ranks in 1993, which became the Hungarian Justice and Life Party (MIEP).
MIEP, which even included some Reformed pastors, has close ties with the French nationalistic politician Jean-Marie Le Pen.
