In several respects, Europe finds itself at a crossroads. Fundamental decisions have to be made which will determine the fate of the continent. Some of the major challenges Europe is facing today have a bearing on the Christian identity of the continent. This thousand-year old identity could provide inspiration for finding the appropriate answers to these challenges. This puts a particular responsibility on the shoulders of Christian-affiliated media and more generally of journalists who are guided by the teachings of the Church in their everyday work. Bringing together eminent persons dealing with contemporary issues of Christian civilization and the Christian segment of the press for an intensive exchange of views would give an impetus to the reflection process already going on in Europe and form the current political discourse.
With the above considerations in mind, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary decided to provide a platform for an international conference. The three-day public event will take place on 4-6 September 2019 in Budapest. The conference will be structured around broad topics like “Christian journalism”, “Christianity in the 21st century”, “Persecution of Christians” and “Christianity and family”. Under each broad topic different panels would examine specific aspects of the issue at hand in more detail. As keynote speakers and panelists, distinguished and internationally respected personalities with various backgrounds (e.g. religious leaders, scholars, politicians, journalists) and views will be invited from all over the world, in order to encourage interesting, thorough and fruitful discussions, looking at different perspectives and giving food for future thought. Every keynote address and panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers in order to offer ample opportunity for an interactive exchange of views.
Some of the questions that will be up for debate: What does Christianity mean in the 21st century? How should developments in Europe and other parts of the world be interpreted? What are the biggest dilemmas of our times? How can our respective families and nations best be served? What is Christian journalism? What constitute Christian values? Which Christian values are under biggest threat?
