Photo: EKD/Jens Schulze
Press Release No: 03/24
14 March 2024
Brussels
Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach has been appointed as the new general secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC). Hailing from the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD), Fischbach comes to CEC with extensive experience in theology, ecumenical relations, employment and social issues, and churches’ dialogue with European political institutions.
The CEC Governing Board announced the decision on 14 March 2024 in a meeting in Hannover, hosted by EKD.
Fischbach will take up the position in the summer.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach as CEC’s new general secretary,” said CEC President H.E. Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain. “The decision from the Governing Board is deeply rooted in our trust in Frank Dieter’s capabilities and that he will lead CEC efficiently, implementing the Call and Witness vision. His leadership remains pertinent, as CEC continues to address significant issues enhancing the role of churches in shaping a better future for Europe.”
“I offer my prayers to Frank Dieter in his new ministry. I look forward to working together with him and our Member Churches to strengthen CEC’s programmatic work, affirming our unique role,” he added.
“I am grateful to the CEC Governing Board for their trust,” said Fischbach. “I have a strong faith in CEC as a fellowship of diverse European churches, and their special role in shaping a brighter future for Europe, realising peace, reconciliation, and raising voices for common Christian values in the political sphere.”
“I am honoured to take such a profound responsibility, hoping and aspiring for better cooperation and outcomes for CEC’s programmatic work, as envisioned by its Member Churches,” added Fischbach.
Rev. Frank Dieter Fischbach studied Protestant theology in Heidelberg, Tübingen, and Bonn. He previously served as Executive Secretary and Head of the Northern and Western Europe Desk, EKD, Churchwide Office, Hanover, and as a pastor with the Protestant Church of Bad Münstereifel, Protestant Church in Rhineland and Troisdorf, Evangelical Church in Rhineland, North Rhine-Westphalia, among other churches, fostering ecumenical relations.
He served as CEC Executive Secretary for Employment and Social Issues, seconded by the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) working on churches’ dialogue with the EU. He was Executive Secretary on European policies in the Representation of the Protestant Churches in North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf, Germany and Special Curate in the Representation of EKD to the EU.
The Governing Board also expressed their gratitude to the former general secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen for his contribution and commitment to CEC during his term. Sørensen resigned in December 2023 to reunite and dedicate more time with his family in Copenhagen.
CEC is a fellowship of 114 churches from Orthodox, Protestant and Anglican traditions from across Europe and, together with its ecumenical partners, represents over 380 million European citizens.
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
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
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