Press Release No: 11/25
26 September 2025
Brussels
The European Online Pre-Conference for the Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, “Where Now for Visible Unity?”, took place from 23 to 25 September. It was organised by the Conference of European Churches (CEC) in cooperation with the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The gathering formed part of the wider preparations for the WCC Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, scheduled for 24–28 October 2025 in Wadi El Natrun, Egypt. More than 70 participants joined from churches and ecumenical organisations across Europe.
Opening with prayer and words of welcome, participants reflected on the role of faith and unity in today’s divided world. A session on the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea explored the significance of the Nicene Creed as a foundation for witness in times of crisis. Further sessions addressed challenges and opportunities related to secularisation, religious plurality and migration. Armed conflict and climate emergency was also being discussed.
The closing session, Walking in the Spirit toward Christian unity, highlighted discernment, accountability, and the churches’ call to peace witness in contexts of division and war.
Dr Susan Durber, WCC President for Europe, moderated parts of the pre-conference. She described it as a meaningful space for exchange among Christians from across Europe.
“The spirit of dialogue was deep and warm as we shared our commitment to seeking the mind of Christ together in a European context that is increasingly secularised, and where political divisions are polarised,” she said. “We have a common foundation of faith in the Nicene Creed—whether we say it regularly in worship or honour it as a doctrinal standard—and those around us need to know the heart of the Gospel, especially those now crying in pain or for justice.”
Durber added that the time for unity is urgent. “As we prepare for the World Council of Churches Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, these insights impel us, in Europe, to participate fully, and with hope for outcomes that will bring real change,” she said.
H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, President of CEC, underlined the role of the Spirit in guiding the churches toward unity.
“The Spirit which descended at Pentecost did not leave the church but is here and present—and the Spirit will guide and lead us to our goal, Christian unity. We must walk the path of God in true synodality and solidarity.”
He further emphasised the importance of cooperation between the WCC and CEC, highlighting that walking together strengthens their common witness and service.
The pre-conference offered space for European churches to share perspectives and strengthen their common witness. Insights from the meeting will help shape contributions to the forthcoming World Conference on Faith and Order in Egypt.
For more information or an interview, please contact:
Naveen Qayyum
Communications Coordinator
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
YouTube: Conference of European Churches