Giorgio Feliciani

The concordat policy of John Paul II provides a strong impetus to enhance the role of Bishops’ Conferences and their regulatory function. On the basis of occurred conventiones, these organisms conclude agreements on various subjects (education, spiritual assistance, cultural heritage). To understand the significance of the action of the Bishops’ Conferences with the public authorities, it is important to take into account the relations not only with nations, but also with other political societies. This is a particularly evident reality in the European Union, where the presence of the Church is ensured not only by the Apostolic Nuncio to European Communities, but also by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community.

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The question about episcopal ordinations without pontifical mandate represents one of the most trichy problems in the relationships bctween the Holy See and the Chinese Government. This being the case, it is more important than ever to reach an agreement between both sides in their own interest.

The Ecumenical Charter giving the lines of conduct meant to improve the co-operation among the Churches in Europe was subscribed both by the President of the Conference of European Churches (KEK) and by the President of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences (CCEE) on 22nd April 2001. The Charter has a fundamental importance for the development of the progress towards Christians’ unity in our continent. As to the function of this document within the canonical regulations it is important to point out that all the obligations have been subscribed by a european episcopal organization. The document respects the fulfillments provided for the statutes, with the approval of the Holy See and it is subscribed jointly with the organization which connects all the other Christian Churches in the continent. The above mentioned elements allow us to think that the Ecumenical Charter has a real legal significance in the canonical regulations.