ECUMENISM
Christian movements: meeting in Slovenia The initiative “Together for Europe”, promoted on the wake of European events held in Stuttgart and supported by various Christian Church movements, announced 12 national meetings this year. The first gathering took place in Logatec, Slovenia, on April 4 with the theme “Contributing to social cohesion in multicultural societies” and was attended by some 1.000 participants, including a large number of youth. Similar events are scheduled in Hungary (on April 25), in Belgium (May 9), France and Slovakia (May 16), Ireland (August 29), Italy (September 19-20), Germany (November 7), and by the end of 2009 also in Portugal, Austria, Croatia and Russia (dates yet to be defined). Each one of these initiatives will have a different setting, according to the cultural area and of the organizing Movements. “‘Together for Europe’- is written in a communiqué – is not an organization or a new structure. It’s a communion of Movements and communities from different Churches, based on an ‘alliance of mutual evangelical love”. In Stuttgart, the Movements have committed themselves to “responsibly face the challenge for contemporary Europe: a strong social cohesion in the midst of cultural plurality”. The ensuing experience – state the promoters – “is that their diversities represent a source of richness and not a reason for fear or separation and that they can become a sign of hope wherever coexistence is in danger”. The family, the defense of life, the fight against poverty and marginalization, the commitment for peace and environmental protection: these some of the common fields of action. The meeting in Logatec was attended by 18 movements from Slovenia. The Movements that attended the meeting were: Renewal in the spirit, ‘Focolari’ Movement, Prayer and Life, Family and Life, the Neocatechumenal Way, ‘POT’ (linked to Communion and Liberation), Emmanuel Community, World Day of Prayer, Faith and Light, Couples for Christ and adult scouts League. Kek: the youth appreciate ecumenism 46 young people from across Europe entered the contest launched by the Conference of European Churches a year ago. Candidates were asked to write a 1000 -word essay on “Hope in contemporary Europe”, which is related to the theme chosen for the 13th KEK Assembly, “Called to hope in Christ” due to be held in Lyon July 15-21. The youth were asked to put into writing their thoughts on the meaning of life as men of hope in Europe, with special emphasis on the ecumenical dimension of Christianity. The essays handed in – in English, French, and German – were read by a panel of judges. The first prize (1000 euro) was awarded to Claire-Sixt Gateuille, from France. Sixt-Gateuille is a 28-year-old pastor of the Reformed Church of France who lives in Tarbes. The awarded essay is called ‘The Vocation of hope”. The second prize (amounting to 600 euro) was presented to Peter Anthony from Great Britain. Rev. Anthony is a priest of the Church of England, he is 29 and lives in London. His essay is titled “Hope: mystery and communion”. The jury praised his essay, in particular, for its effective combination of experience and biblical exegesis and for its strong ecumenical perspective. The third prize (400 euro) was awarded to Joshua Searle, from Northern Ireland. The three winners of the competition will present their works at the Assembly of Lyon, where they will receive the awards. Easter: Patriarch Kyrill to the Christian Churches The Patriarch of Moscow and of All Russia Kyrill sent Easter greetings to the leaders of Christian Churches who celebrated the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus Sunday April 12, while Orthodox Churches will celebrate Easter on Sunday April 19, in observance of the Julian liturgical calendar. The recipients of the message of Pope Benedict XVI include His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of England and of All the Anglican Community, bishop Wolfgang Huber, President of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Jukka Paarma, Archbishop of Turku and Primate of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland. “Christ is resurrected! – the Patriarch wrote – Today, our hearts are filled with joy”. With his resurrection, continues Kyrill, Christians have passed “from the torment of slavery to the freedom from darkness”, from “light to death”, from “the life of slavery to the Kingdom of the Almighty”. “The Holy Easter is the triumph of truth and justice over evil”. This is why the Lord calls upon us to “Rejoice!”. These words – continues the Patriarch – should be “called to testify with joy the victory of Resurrected Christ over sin and over death”.
