European churches discuss evangelisation amidst rising secularism and division – meeting held in Rethymno, Crete
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) held their annual Joint Committee meeting in Crete, focusing on evangelisation in an increasingly secular Europe. Amid challenges of disunity, polarisation, and societal conflict, leaders emphasised the urgent need for a unified Christian witness. The meeting also included a session on revising the Charta Oecumenica, a key document for Christian unity, to address current issues.
The meeting held from 5-6 November 2024 opened with a welcome from local host His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, followed by remarks from CEC President, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, and CCEE President, His Excellency Msgr. Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius. Both presidents shared updates on the concerns of their organisations since the last Joint Committee meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, in November 2023.
Archbishop Nikitas highlighted the core theme of evangelisation, stating, “Many people continue to thirst for truth and salvation. We are called to share Christ’s truth and love with them. This mission is our purpose and calling.”
Archbishop Grušas emphasised the need to deepen our ability to listen to the Holy Spirit and to each other so that we can discern where God is leading us. “Only in this way we can become merciful synodal Churches in mission and be true witnesses of Christ to the world.”
Rev. Jan Nowotnik, Mission Director and National Ecumenical Officer of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, added that the heart of evangelisation lies in a personal relationship with Christ. “As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, our faith is in a person—Jesus Christ—not in ideals or propositions. This relationship must be our starting point.”
Rev. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), referenced the Together Towards Life document, underlining the role of discernment in outreach efforts. “Evangelisation, especially in times of division and conflict, requires us to recognise the Holy Spirit’s life-giving presence, especially on the peripheries,” he said.
CEC Governing Board member Ms Kieryn Wurts reflected on evangelisation as an expression of God’s profound love. “The Good News isn’t about us having all the answers,” she stated. “It’s about God’s love reaching out to us, a love fully revealed in Jesus Christ. We are here to bear witness to that.”
A report from the co-chairs of the Charta Oecumenica revision working group, His Eminence Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Archbishop of Łódź, and Ms Lea Schlenker of the Protestant Church in Germany, marked significant steps in updating the document. Originally signed by CEC and CCEE in 2001, the Charta has served as a guide for ecumenical cooperation across Europe. This revision aims to address contemporary issues and reinforce the document’s role as a source of unity, peace, and justice.
The consultation process for the Charta Oecumenica revision remains open to churches and ecumenical organisations until 31 December 2024, inviting broad participation and input. The offical signing ceremony of Charta Oecumenica will take place on 27 April 2025 in Vilnius.
Source: ccee.eu
