Brussels, 28/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - In a press statement, COMECE (the Commission of the Bishops Conference of the European Community) and the Conference of the European Churches, which brings together orthodox, protestant, Anglican and old catholic churches welcome the preliminary draft of the constitutional treaty presented by the presidium of the European Convention. The Christian churches particularly welcomes 1) the values included in this text, 2) the integration of the charter of fundamental rights, 3) the use of the amendments that "strengthen the commitment of the Union for a social market economy", 4) the amended draft of Article 51 that guarantees respect by the EU of the status of the churches and the religious communities in the Member States.