2 September 2015
Brussels

From 6 to 9 September, senior religious leaders, representatives from the European Commission, and scholars will gather in Halki and Istanbul for a conference on freedom of religion or belief. More than 40 human rights experts from CEC Member Churches are expected to attend.

The three-day event features a number of high-profile contributions, including a keynote address from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. CEC President Right Rev. Christopher Hill KCVO, DD will be in attendance and offer words of welcome. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of Halki from Metropolitan Elpidophoros of Bursa, Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery.

Major themes addressed will include European churches’ engagement with human rights, implementation of international legal standards, and present challenges for religious tolerance and non-discrimination. Participants will also discuss the role of religious communities in promoting and protecting freedom of religion or belief.

Updates from Halki and Istanbul will be provided on Facebook and Twitter throughout the conference. A final press release will be issued at the end of the event outlining major themes and conclusions.

For the complete programme of events, please click here.

For more information or an interview

Erin Green
Communication Coordinator
Conference of European Churches

Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 2 234 68 42
Fax +32 2 231 14 13
E-mail: eeg@cec-kek.be
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 114 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 national council of churches and organisations in partnership. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Brussels and Strasbourg.