The representatives of the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) and of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)’s Bureau had a meeting today in Berlin to address issues related to the current social and political challenges facing the State. Representing the DBK, alongside its president Card. Reinhard Marx, were Card. Rainer Woelki, Archbishop Heiner Koch, Bishop Stephan Ackermann, and DBK Secretary Fr. Hans Langendörfer. Representing the CDU, alongside Chancellor Angela Merkel, were Home Affairs Minister Thomas de Maizière and several members of the CDU’s Bureau. In a press release, the Catholic news agency KNA informed that “both sides agreed that Christian values in the Federal Republic must play a central role”. Another fundamental point of agreement between the DBK and the CDU is “the crucial role in strengthening social cohesion and supporting families”. It is also fundamentally important to “carry on the work of building Europe”. As regards refugees and the reception of migrants, the Chancellor and the CDU members in attendance sincerely thanked the DBK for its efforts in providing assistance and integration through national and local projects aimed at fostering work and social integration. In this respect, the Bishops insisted on the “need to share responsibilities in Europe and on the importance of facilitating family reunification for a successful integration”.