Delegates gathered for the Third European Ecumenical Assembly (EEA3) at the end of January have revealed great enthusiasm for further collaboration between Christians in Europe.
The sub-theme of the gathering of 150 leading European Christians in Rome from Jan. 24th to 27th was “Rediscovering new light in the crucified and risen Christ on the road to reconciliation between Christians in Europe”, and is part of the overall theme for the EEA3 – “The light of Christ shines upon all – Hope for renewal and unity in Europe”.In his opening remarks, the President of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE), Bishop Amédée Grab, described the Assembly process as a “pilgrimage aimed at discovering the gifts contained in the various Christian traditions.”
President of the Council of European Churches (CEC), Rev. Jean-Arnold de Clermont, added: “We want to witness together to the good news of the Gospel in a secularised Europe which doubts that reference to Christ can help it to have hope in its future.”
The delegates from over 44 European countries and representing 40 churches, 34 bishops’ conferences and over 50 movements and ecumenical organisations were welcomed with an opening prayer prepared by the local churches around Rome and an address by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Professor Gianni Long, President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy, and Metropolitan Gennadios, Orthodox Archbishop of Italy and Malta.
Cardinal Walter Kasper of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity delivered a speech on the ecumenical situation in Europe together with Bishop Margot Kaessman of the Evangelical Church in Germany.
Both spoke of the simultaneous challenges and hopes for progress in ecumenical relations, with Cardinal Kasper adding that European Christians have a special responsibility.
He said: “Today as Christians we are challenged to stand together for Europe and for a peaceful order in Europe.”We want to witness together to the good news of the Gospel in a secularised Europe which doubts that reference to Christ can help it to have hope in its future.
Rev. Jean-Arnold de Clermont, President of CEC
Bishop Kaessman said, “There is more which binds us together that which separates us,” adding that there was a need for a “recognisable common witness” of Christians in Europe.
