Injustices of the current world pose a substantial challenge for the unity of the Church; the question of catholicity and justice cannot be separated. This was the underlining message of the preparatory meeting for delegates of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches from European churches, which took place from 27-28 February 2013 in Brussels.

The meeting organised by the Church and Society Commission of CEC offered the  delegates of the upcoming WCC Assembly from European churches a space for an exchange, sharing of information about their preparatory activities and for coordination.

‘A Call for justice in the economy and with creation, as well as the discussion of new forms of missions and evangelism, will belong to the key topics of the upcoming Assembly,’ confirmed Guillermo Kerber, representing WCC at the meeting. ‘How can Christianity equip itself for responding to challenges of 21st century, will be the principal challenge discussed and the Assembly’, he added.

Outcomes of the dialogue between European and Latin American churches responding to the impacts of globalisation will be one of the joint contributions of churches from Europe to the Assembly. Participants in the meeting got an opportunity to discuss the dialogue between the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the process of overcoming differences between churches from two continents in the context of the upcoming Assembly. Guy Liagre, General Secretary of CEC in his evaluation of the dialogue emphasised the standing commitment of CEC towards economic and ecological justice. He underlined, ‘It is undeniable task of the churches to work on identification and recognition of the gospel in responding to the current economic and ecological crises.’

Participants in the meeting shared their concerns about and expectations from the Assembly, which include, along with addressing impacts of the economic and ecological crises and efforts for Christian unity, efforts for further deepening Christian peace ethics, Christian witness in a multi-religious world, as well as the distance between word and respective action, and an effective communication.

The WCC Assembly under the theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace” will take place from 30 October – 8 November 2013 in Busan (Korea).

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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 115 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 associated organisations. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.

The Church and Society Commission of CEC provides a platform for the CEC membership to reflect on socio-ethical issues ecumenically and to involve them in common action and advocacy in relation to the European Union, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations (in European matters). CSC operates as a forum for action, dialogue and ecumenical training in European affairs. 

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