Conference of European Churches

Conference of European Churches
Name	Conference of European Churches
Abbreviation	CEC
Formation	1959
Type	Ecumenical Christian organization
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Region	Europe
Membership	116 member churches
Language	English, French, German
General secretary	Dr. Jørgen Skov Sørensen
President	Rev. Dr. Christian Krieger
Website	https://www.ceceurope.org/

Conference of European Churches. The Conference of European Churches is a major ecumenical fellowship of Christian churches across the European continent. Founded in the context of the Cold War, it has historically served as a bridge between churches in Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Its work is dedicated to promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and a common witness on issues of peace, justice, and the integrity of creation.

History

The organization was founded in 1959 in Nyborg, Denmark, primarily at the initiative of Protestant churches from both sides of the Iron Curtain. A key early figure was the French Reformed pastor Marc Boegner, who served as its first president. During the Cold War, it provided a rare platform for dialogue between churches from NATO and Warsaw Pact countries, notably hosting its assemblies in cities like Nyborg, Enugu, and Budapest. Following the Revolutions of 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it expanded its focus to address new challenges of European integration and post-communist transition. A significant structural development was its 1997 integration with the European Ecumenical Commission for Church and Society to form the present Brussels-based secretariat.

Organisation and structure

The highest governing body is the General Assembly, which convenes every five to six years, such as the recent assembly in Tallinn, Estonia. Between assemblies, a Central Committee, elected from member churches, provides oversight. The day-to-day work is managed by an Executive Committee and a General Secretary, with the current secretariat located in Brussels near other European institutions like the European Union and the Council of Europe. Key commissions focus on themes including Church and Society and Theological Studies. Its presidency is held by Rev. Dr. Christian Krieger of the Protestant Reformed Church of Alsace and Lorraine.

Member churches

Membership comprises 116 churches from Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, and Old Catholic traditions across over 40 European countries. Major families include the Eastern Orthodox Church, such as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as churches from the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the Anglican Communion. Notable members are the Church of England, the Evangelical Church in Germany, and the Church of Sweden. Membership is held by churches as institutions, not by national councils like the World Council of Churches, though close cooperation exists.

Activities and programmes

Its core activities include advocacy with European political bodies, promoting a Christian voice on issues like migration, climate change, and social cohesion. It organizes the annual European Christian Environmental Network and facilitates the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe. Major recurring events are the European Ecumenical Assemblies, held in places like Basel, Graz, and Sibiu, in partnership with the Council of European Bishops' Conferences. It also runs theological conferences and youth programmes, fostering dialogue on topics from digital ethics to interreligious relations with Islam and Judaism.

Ecumenical relations

It maintains a close collaborative relationship with the World Council of Churches, with which it shares many member churches and jointly sponsors initiatives. A landmark partnership is with the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, the body of Roman Catholic bishops' conferences in Europe, formalized through the Charta Oecumenica signed in Strasbourg. This cooperation is evident in joint assemblies and statements on European unity. It also works with global bodies like the Lutheran World Federation and regional networks such as the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe.

Key documents and statements

Foundational texts include its Constitution and the historic "Message to the Christians of Europe" from its inaugural assembly. The Charta Oecumenica, developed with the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, is a major commitment to ecumenical cooperation. Thematic statements address contemporary issues, such as the "Final Document" from the European Ecumenical Assembly in Basel and declarations on peace during the Cold War. Recent publications focus on the European Union, refugee protection, and ethical reflections on the war in Ukraine.

Category:Christian organizations based in Europe Category:Ecumenical organizations Category:Organizations established in 1959