The Conference of European Churches (CEC) mourns the passing of Metropolitan Ieremias of Ankara, former CEC President and signatory of the Charta Oecumenica, and Kees Nieuwerth, Vice President of the Council of Churches in the Netherlands and moderator of CEC’s thematic group on economic and ecological justice.

Metropolitan Ieremias, born Paraschos Kalligiorgis in 1935 in Kos, studied in Patmos, Halki and Paris, and was ordained in 1959. He served as Bishop of Sasima, Metropolitan of France, Metropolitan of Switzerland, and from 2018, Metropolitan of Ankara. Known for his theological depth and commitment to dialogue, he played a significant role in signing the Charta Oecumenica during his tenure as CEC President.

Kees Nieuwerth, a Quaker and respected ecologist, was Vice-President of the Council of Churches in the Netherlands and a committed contributor to the work of CEC, including as moderator of its thematic group on economic and ecological justice. He co-edited the CEC publication Every Part of Creation Matters and was recognised for his dedication to peace, sustainability, and the ecumenical movement in Europe.

CEC pays tribute

CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Metropolitan Ieremias and Kees Nieuwerth. Both were devoted friends of the ecumenical movement and contributed significantly to the work of CEC through their commitment to unity, justice, and care for creation. Their wisdom and warm presence will be missed.”

CEC extends its condolences to their families, friends, and church communities on this loss.