“We are glad to encounter ever growing enthusiasm for EEA3 [Third European Ecumenical Assembly due to be held in Sibiu, 4-9 September 2007] in many parts of Europe. We expect a great deal” from this meeting, the first “in a country with an Orthodox majority”, commented Colin Williams, general secretary of the CEC (Conference of the European Churches), intervening at the meeting of CEC’s ruling council in Geneva in recent weeks. “Our hope – concluded Williams – is that ecumenical cooperation and networking will be reinforced at all levels at Sibiu”. The ruling council also discussed preparations for CEC’s twelfth assembly, due to be held in Lyon (France) from 15 to 21 July 2009, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the organization’s foundation. “It will be not only a great occasion to celebrate half a century of ecumenical commitment in Europe – said CEC President, Pastor Jean-Arnold de Clermont -, but also a key moment to redesign the ecumenical movement, seeking new and more creative ways of witness in our continent”.
