“In this world so often indifferent to God and which at times acts even against God, to be witnesses of Jesus is truly the heart of the whole of our mission. It is today, and it will be also in the future of ecumenism and the dialogue between the Christian Churches. We are all called to follow Jesus without delay and to be His witnesses. In an eloquent way Pope Francis is also demonstrating it with his next visit to Geneva (21 June) to the Ecumenical Council of Churches to mark the 70th anniversary of its foundation”. These are the words written by Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, President of CCEE, to the Anglican Bishop, Reverend Christopher Hill, President of CEC (Conference of European Churches), on the occasion of its General Assembly. The European body, founded in 1959, is a fellowship of 116 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, plus 40 National Council of Churches and organisations in partnership.
Since Cardinal Bagnasco is unable to participate at the meeting in person, Fr Martin Michalicek, Deputy General Secretary of CCEE, will represent the Catholic organisation and bring the greetings of the Presidency and of all the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe.
The CEC General Assembly will take place in Novi Sad from 31 May – 6 June 2018. Further information is available on the website: https://assembly2018.ceceurope.org
The news release is available in English, French, German and Italian.