RELIGIOUS
AND POLITICAL MILLENNIA
Millennial ecclesiastic celebrations have been instrumental
in stressing the importance of the medieval past. The millennium
of the martyrdom of St. Adalbert in 1997, and the pope’s
pilgrimage to Gniezno gave an opportunity for the meeting
of seven European heads of state. Pope John Paul II visited
the Czech Republic and Hungary several times during this
period. Millennial celebrations were state-sponsored events
not only in Hungary but also in Ukraine and even in Armenia.
The efforts on behalf of these Central and East European
states to make modern political symbols out of medieval
events and objects were not unwelcome by their Western
neighbors either. During the millennial celebrations in
Hungary, for example, copies of the British Magna Charta
(1215) and the Hungarian Golden Bull (1222) were ceremoniously
exchanged between the President of the House of Lords of
Great Britain and the President of the Hungarian National
Assembly to demonstrate the "medieval roots of their constitutional,
parliamentary, democratic traditions". |
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Gniezno
Declaration
Gniezno, April 28, 2000
We the Prime Ministers of the Governments of Poland, the
Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Chancellor of the Federal
Republic of Germany, gathered in Gniezno at the grave of
St. Adalbert one thousand years of the meeting of Emperor
Otto III with Bołeslaw the Brave,
Aware of the responsibility of politicians for the destiny
of Europe on the threshold of the 21st century,
Mindful of the historical experiences of our nations and
their aspirations to delve into the truth about the past
and build the future of the European continent based on
unity of values and goals,
Convinced of the indivisibility of Europe in the striving
to ensure security and stable development,
Guided by concern for the further development of mutual
relations and the creation of favourable conditions for
the cooperation of states and societies,
Prompted by the desire to find perspective responses to
global transformations,
Solemnly declare that we shall
Work together to fulfil the aspirations of the nations
and societies to live in a united Europe,
Jointly become involved in building the future of Europe
with respect for the diversity of cultures, national traditions
and regional differences,
Be guided by the principle of solidarity and shall work
closely together in shaping the economic development and
social life in our countries,
Become involved jointly and severally in solving international
problems, defending human rights, the principles of democracy
and the rule of law and shall oppose the creation of new
divisions on the European continent,
Resolutely oppose the dangers that stem from militant nationalism,
xenophobia, racism and totalitarian ideologies.
Our common goal is to create a Europe of free societies
living in peace, security and prosperity. |
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