Bruton on religion in Europe

Former Taoiseach and former EU ambassador to Washington, John Bruton gave an address on Religion in the European Union, at an event jointly hosted by the Jesuit quarterly review, Studies and the Catholic think tank, the Iona Institute, at the Alexander Hotel on Monday night. Using a documents-based approach to his lecture, Mr Bruton outlined the reasons for a strong relationship between the Church and the European Union. A lively discussion followed, whereupon he fielded questions on issues such as the Lisbon Treaty, cynicism and the European Union, Rocco Buttiglione, legislative issues between Ireland and the European Union, and potential frontrunners for the first presidency of the European Council. He urged Irish people of faith to engage with the European Union, be less passive, and speak up for their faith.