To strengthen ties and foster dialogue, the General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, met with representatives of CEC Member Churches from Southern Europe in Paris, 16 to 17 January 2025. The meeting centred on reflections and expectations from these churches regarding CEC's work, particularly following the outcomes of the 2023 CEC General Assembly in Tallinn.
The discussions highlighted the unique contributions of minority churches to the European ecumenical network and explored ways to address pressing and complex issues collaboratively. The gathering underscored the importance of mutual support and cooperation within European churches, fostering unity and shared purpose across Europe.
Participants included leaders from several key churches: President Emmanuelle Seyboldt of the United Protestant Church of France, Dr Ulrich Rüsen-Weinhold of the United Protestant Church of France, President Isabelle Gerber of the Union of Protestant Churches in Alsace and Lorraine, President Alfredo Abad of the Spanish Evangelical Church, Rev. Peter Caccio of the Board of the Protestant Federation in Italy, and General Secretary Maria Eduarda Titosse of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Portugal, who joined online. Rev. Claire des Mesnards of the United Protestant Church of France also participated in the meeting as member of CEC Governing Board.