Press Release No: 14/24
26 September 2024
Brussels
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) brought together heads of 14 European National Councils of Churches, who explored pressing issues surrounding ecumenical cooperation in Europe, contributing to the revision of the Charta Oecumenica.
The meeting was held from 23 to 25 September 2024 at the Ökumenisches Forum HafenCity in Hamburg, hosted by the Council of Churches in Germany.
Key discussions focused on updates regarding the programmatic work of the NCCs and the revision of the Charta Œcumenica, a joint document of CEC and the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) issued in 2001, aimed at strengthening dialogue and unity between churches while promoting peace and justice in Europe. As societal circumstances evolve, the revision seeks to ensure the document remains relevant to contemporary challenges.
CEC General Secretary Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach expressed gratitude for the event's outcomes, stating, “In a time when Europe faces multiple crises, it is crucial that CEC and the National Church Councils come together to discuss the Charta Œcumenica. This demonstrates the churches' deep concern and commitment to maintain unity and shared responsibility for Europe's future.”
The meeting also addressed topics including the ongoing war in Ukraine, emerging trends in European politics, the growing secularisation of European society, and the importance of religious coexistence. Participants highlighted the need to engage with different religions and worldviews, fostering stronger relations with Judaism, Islam, and other faiths, while exploring the urgency and deep connections between issues related to peace, migration, and care for creation.
Archpriest Radu Constantin Miron, Chairman of the Association of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK), warmly welcomed the participants and emphasised the significance of trust and common prayer in achieving unity. “Together, we are called to be a living example of cooperation and reconciliation, setting signs of peace and justice for the world to witness,” he said. “This mission is impossible without a strong foundation of trust between us.”
The gathering provided a platform for open dialogue, with NCCs reaffirming their dedication to ecumenism in the face of Europe's social, political, and environmental challenges. By fostering Christian understanding and reinforcing Christian values of peace and justice, the meeting reaffirmed the churches' united role in addressing the pressing issues of today.
The annual meeting underscored the vital role of the Conference of European Churches in promoting ecumenical collaboration and dialogue in Europe. The revision of the Charta Œcumenica is a key step in adapting to the continent's evolving needs, ensuring the churches’ continued contribution to build peace, justice, and unity in an increasingly diverse and complex world.
More information on the revision of the Charta Oecumenica
For further 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
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
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