Chief Rabbi tells MEPs EU needs 'covenants'

4.00.00pm GMT Fri 21st Nov 2008

Sarah in discussion with Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks

Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks addressed a formal sitting of the European Parliament as part of the European year of intercultural dialogue.

Members of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties (LIBE) Committee also had the opportunity to discuss with him issues such as equality and non-discrimination, the role of religion in society, the place of women in religion, and the Middle East.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman Sarah Ludford MEP said:

"Sir Jonathan Sacks' intellectual vision and inspiring words justly secured a standing ovation from the European Parliament. His use of Biblical stories such as Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel to illustrate his points - but drawing on the original Hebrew - entranced his MEP audience."

"His main message was about the need to respect difference and construct a society, a Europe and a world in which all can live in peace within the framework of 'covenants' - more like a marriage than a contract - where parties come together to achieve what they can't achieve alone."

"I was already a great admirer of Sir Jonathan - not least from his Radio 4 'Thought for the Day' slots - and my admiration for his deep humanity and wisdom has only increased with his visit to Strasbourg."