Press Release No: 20/21
17 December 2021
Brussels
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is set to implement a sharp organisational profile. As a church-fellowship, CEC will strengthen its work to develop Christian voices in European political institutions and beyond, while being grounded in firm theological reflection.
CEC Governing Board has recently approved a work-plan that divides the organisation’s programme areas into two main units – Theology and Studies, and Dialogue and Advocacy. The two units will carry out advocacy work interdependently on topics that shape Europe’s present and future.
CEC will deepen present ecumenical cooperation, taking full advantage of the knowledge and expertise of its Member Churches, National Council of Churches and Organisations in Partnership. Such cooperation will add an even stronger church profile to CEC’s ongoing dialogue with EU institutions, in accordance with Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU).
Until its upcoming assembly in 2023, CEC will continue to work within the strategic work areas adopted by the 2018 Novi Sad General Assembly, and those stated in CEC’s current Constitution (Art. 2.1[3]). The overall guiding theme for CEC remains “Together in Hope and Witness” inspired by the biblical premise “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
To benefit its Member Churches, CEC will make better use of its unique location, a secretariat based in Brussels, the heart of European decision making. CEC will close its office in Strasbourg in the coming year, maintaining its work towards European institutions in Strasbourg from Brussels. In a focused manner, CEC will continue to monitor policy making activities beyond the European Union in the Strasbourg institutions.
“In the current environment, CEC must claim and safeguard space for faith, making visible the contribution of churches,” said CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger.
“We want to assert faith as a legitimate element in European political decision making, while both engaging and supporting churches. CEC Governing Board has a vision that CEC can, with confidence in the ability and commitment of member churches, contribute to European societies with Christ’s message of faith, hope and trust, grounded in Christian anthropology,” he added.
“We look forward to build new bridges of faith, hope and trust with churches in Europe and between churches and European society,” said CEC general secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen.
“This is the beginning of a process. Due to financial restrictions and binding agreements, 2022 will become a year of transition for CEC. The Governing Board decisions were a first bold step in laying the foundation for what CEC wants to do and achieve in the years to come. CEC leadership has provided a vision and shown responsibility with this move,” he added.
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Watch the Q&A with CEC general secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen here, as he shares highlights from 2021, reflects on CEC’s work as a church fellowship and its role vis-à-vis the European institutions.
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: [email protected]
Website: www.ceceurope.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope
Twitter: @ceceurope
You Tube: Conference of European Churches
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