The 5th Assembly of the Christian European Network for the Environment (CENE) is being held in Basel, in Switzerland, from 3 to 8 May. Founded in 1998 following the recommendations of the 2nd European Ecumenical Assembly in Graz, the Network brings together Christians involved in the ecological field belonging to the various confessions (Protestants, Orthodox, Catholics) and is closely linked to the Conference of European Churches (CEC). “The contribution of the Churches for a sustainable Europe” is the theme of this Assembly that is being hosted by the local Protestant and Catholic Churches and is being attended by some 130 delegates from various European countries of East and West. On the programme are several public events, including a visit to the solar energy installations run by the Church in Basel, a debate on ecumenical work for the environment, during which the main speakers will include CEC general secretary Keith Clements and CCEE general secretary Msgr. Aldo Giordano, and a round table on the question “Can Europe live beyond its means?”, in which academics and experts from Germany, Switzerland and California will participate. During the Assembly, discussion will also focus on climate change, mobility, eco-management, education in the efficient use of water and sustainable development. Coinciding with the meeting is the second Swiss Social Forum being held in Fribourg from 3 to 5 June. Forty workshops and seven conferences represent the backbone of the event, which has as its theme “the other globalization, challenges and potential”.
