Bishop Martyn was recently asked to represent the Church of England at a meeting with the European Commission in Brussels.
It is written into the EU constitution that they should have regular meetings with faith leaders, and the subject of this meeting was “Responding to the increasing polarisation in our societies”.
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, the Church of England Diocese in Europe remains very committed to learning from the differing approaches across Europe to questions of immigration, social cohesion and the role of faith communities in public life.
Alongside Bishop Martyn were Muslim, Jewish and other faith leaders from Belgium, Italy and France, together with representatives from Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches from across Europe.
Together, they discussed the role of religious organisations in countering polarisation within our societies.
The EU Commissioner with responsibility for this area, Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, was warm in his appreciation for the engagement and keen to promote examples of good practice.
Photograph Copyright - European Union, 2025. Photographer: Lukasz Kobus, CE - Service audiovisuel