Press Release No: 14/23
06 September 2023
Brussels
The assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) has highlighted the commitment of churches in caring for creation and the protection of the planet. The 2023 Assembly of ECEN was held from 31 August to 3 September in Roskilde, Denmark, and hosted by the local churches.
Addressing the theme “Every Part of Creation Matters”, a final message issued by 80 participants, representing churches in 25 European countries, reads, “We have a role as Christians with a commitment to care for our planet, to be embedded in practical and relational ways, in our churches and localities and to shine, show and share good ideas to influence our wider society for good.”
“We remain very aware of the escalating urgency seen in fire, flood, famine and migration across our continent, and the world, therefore we need to be a people who are fully engaged in transforming society. We offer support and encouragement to all the churches involved in challenging unjust structures and building hope for our common future,” reads the message.
The assembly participants particularly appreciated contributions to the theme by church representatives from Belarus and Ukraine. “They are being faithful to the bigger picture of care for creation in difficult situations. Giving hope for a better future and contributing to peacebuilding by providing education for a sustainable future to all generations inside and outside the church.”
ECEN Assembly participants were encouraged by the outcomes of the assemblies of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC). Both ecumenical assemblies affirmed churches' commitment to care for creation and climate justice.
The contribution from youth in care for creation was highlighted. “We urge churches to find ways to give young people a voice and for them to have opportunities to influence decision and to consider younger people to be a part of their delegation to ECEN meetings in the future.”
“We call upon the churches to engage with and promote networking in further developing eco-theology, and practical steps in eco-management of the churches, and to support ECEN as an integral part of our ecumenical space,” read the message.
Among the keynote speakers were Bishop Emeritus Peter Fischer-Møller, Church of Denmark, Prof. Else Marie Wiberg Pedersen, University of Aarhus, Prof. Nikolaos Asproulis, Volos Academy for Theological Studies, Marianne Bigum, Member of the Danish Parliament, Vice-Chair of the Climate, Energy and Utility Committee, Kees Nieuwerth, Council of Churches in the Netherlands, Kenneth Mtata, WCC, and Fiona Paulus, Ecumenical Youth Council of Europe.
CEC financially supports and provides the secretariat for ECEN, addressing the climate emergency, care for creation, and sustainable development.
Read full text of the ECEN Assembly message
For more information or an interview, please contact:
Naveen Qayyum
Communication Officer
Conference of European Churches
Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels
Tel. +32 486 75 82 36
E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be
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