Photo: Simon Kangas Larsen

Press Release No: 10/25
19 September 2025
Brussels

The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the National Council of Churches in Denmark convened a meeting of the European National Councils of Churches and CEC Member Churches from 15–17 September 2025 in Nyborg, Denmark. The gathering focused on the role of Christian citizenship and the responsibility of churches in engaging with public life amid shifting politics, renewed security concerns, and the ongoing call to peace across the continent.

Nyborg, a city of historical significance for the Reformation in Denmark and the birthplace of CEC’s peacebuilding efforts in 1959, served as a fitting backdrop for this important gathering.

The meeting opened with a prayer and words of welcome from Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach, General Secretary of CEC, and Dr Emil Hilton Saggau, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Denmark. A scene-setting presentation outlined CEC’s call and witness in times of conflict and cooperation and introduced CEC’s programmatic work.

Participants affirmed that Christian citizenship in Europe must be understood as inclusive and responsible engagement in society. Rooted in the values of the Gospel, Christians are called to participate actively in public life, taking responsibility not only for themselves but also for the wellbeing of others. At the heart of this commitment, the participants stressed, lies the call to uphold human dignity and build resilience in communities, particularly in times of crisis.

The meeting further explored how citizenship is not a neutral or abstract concept, but one shaped by specific geopolitical contexts. The Russian war against Ukraine was highlighted as a pressing example, illustrating the diversity of Christian responses: some affirm democratic values, others critique them; some advocate for just peace, while others invoke the concept of just war. These perspectives, participants noted, underline the importance of ethical discernment and contextual analysis in shaping an authentic Christian witness today.

Representatives of churches in Armenia, Georgia, but also Estonia and Ireland in the meeting presented other contexts of conflict or tension, in which churches are challenged to contribute to peace, reconciliation, and unity.

Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach said, “Our churches are confronted with growing secularisation and shrinking public space for religion. In this context, Christian citizenship means standing for human rights and freedom of religion or belief, developing a public theology that makes the voice of the churches heard, and contributing to European integration as a peace project. This meeting was an important step in exploring how we can renew our common witness at a time of conflict and change.”

Katerina Pekridou, Programme Officer for Theology and Studies at CEC, added, “Christian citizenship is about more than national belonging. It is about being rooted in Christ while taking responsibility for the common good. In our time of polarisation and shifting values, churches are called to a deepened process of theological and moral discernment, resist the misuse of religion for political ends, and translate the Gospel into action that promotes justice, peace, and human dignity.”

The meeting addressed a wide range of themes, including “Unity in Christ and Loyalty to the Nation?,” “Towards a Christian citizenship in Europe,” and “The EU-candidate countries’ churches reflection on their own status, needs and possible role in a new Europe," "European defence cooperation and the call to peace: Christian citizenship and public policy.” Discussions focused on Christian identity and civic responsibility, nationalism and unity, the misuse of religion in politics, and the moral questions raised by militarisation and changing defence policies.

The meeting concluded with a guided discussion on the road ahead. Participants mapped initiatives already underway across member churches and councils and identified areas for joint work in advocacy, dialogue, and theological reflection.

Speakers included Rev. Dr Sofia Camnerin, His Grace Bishop Damaskinos Olkinuora, Rev. Dr Mario Fischer, Rev. Dr Karen Campbell, Dr Tetiana Kalenychenko, Dr Peter Lodberg, Prof. Katharina Kunter, His Grace Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, Metropolitan Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili, Metropolitan Yevstratiy, Rev. Dr Vladimir Kmec, Marek Misak, Ralf Becker, and Dr Emil Hilton Saggau.

The Nyborg meeting underlined the value of sustained ecumenical reflection and cooperation. It confirmed CEC’s role as a key platform for renewing Christian citizenship in Europe through shared learning, public engagement, and a consistent commitment to peace.

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
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