Press Release No: 14/19

6 June 2014

CEC Governing Board meets in Brussels

The Governing Board of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) held its third meeting since the 2013 Assembly in Budapest. The meeting took place in Brussels, Belgium, from the 2nd to the 5th of June 2014.

The meeting was opened by CEC President, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Hill. First on the agenda was the issue of transitional arrangements, which included substantive discussions on the legal aspects of the upcoming merger of CEC and CSC later in the year. To mark the launch of the new combined CEC, a high profile public event will be held in Leuven on 3rd December this year.

The presence of the Moderator and General Secretary of the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) was welcomed by the Governing Board as an encouraging testament to the on-going negotiation process. The Governing Board reaffirmed the vital work of CCME and expressed its hope for a fruitful outcome of the dialogue between CEC and CCME.

The Governing Board were pleased to see a positive financial outcome from 2013 and underscored the essential aspect of stewardship which needs to undergird the finance work of CEC. A second round of discussion on the Standing Orders as mandated by the Budapest Assembly also took place.

To commemorate the centennial of the start of the First World War later this year, the Governing Board approved a declaration to be disseminated to CEC member churches and partners reaffirming the vital role of churches as agents of peace and reconciliation. A number of activities are also being planned to commemorate this watershed in the history of Europe and the world. This declaration may be viewed here.

The Governing Board expressed its concern for the situation in Ukraine and took note of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A conference to commemorate the latter is planned for 2015.

As we commemorate, today, the 70th Anniversary of the Allied Landing on the beaches of Normandy and are reminded of the fragility of peace in Europe, the Governing Board calls on its members and organisations in partnership to join them in prayer for the people and leaders of Ukraine and asks that all those involved in CEC, CSC and CCME are also held in prayer at this time of transition.

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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches, partner organisations and national councils of churches from all over Europe. Its vision: A humane, socially just and sustainable Europe at peace with itself and its neighbours. Its mission: To promote and empower its members, sharing their spiritual life, strengthening their common witness and service, seeking reconciliation and fostering the unity of the Church. CEC was founded in 1959 and has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.www.ceceurope.org

For more information:
CEC General Secretariat
Phone: +41 22 791 6228
Fax: +41 22 791 627
Email: GenSecretariat@cec-kek.org