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How can closer collaboration between the Churches of Europe and of Latin American be fostered? Through the exchange of priests and the support of vocations, through material aid for seminaries and pastoral activities in Latin America, through the training of European volunteers for service in Latin America, and through the exchange of materials and experiences: just some of the suggestions that emerged during the meeting of the presidency of the Council of the Episcopal Conferences of Europe (CCEE) and of the Latin-American Episcopal Council (CELAM) held in Bogotà (Colombia) on the occasion of the meeting of the general secretaries of the bishops’ conferences of Latin America, from 24 to 28 February. The CCEE was presented by its president Bishop Amédée Grab of Chur, vice-president Archbishop Josip Bozanic of Zagreb and general secretary Msgr. Aldo Giordano. The meeting opened on 25 February with a report on the social and ecclesial situation in the various countries and information on CELAM’s activities. The delegates reflected on the most urgent problems in the countries of Latin America: economic crisis, growth of poverty and unemployment, violence, corruption, violation of human rights, drug trafficking, anticlericalism, attacks against life and the integrity of the family. “Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina seem to be the countries most prostrated by the economic and social crisis notes the CCEE in a communiqué issued at the end of their visit -. Other countries seem to be giving some signs of hope; first and foremost Brazil, where the results of the social programme of President Lula are eagerly awaited. In this context the Church is the institution that enjoys the most trust on the part of the people and has a recognized role of social reconciliation. Evangelization, formation, cultural activities, solidarity, defence of the family and of life are the main fields of commitment in the dioceses”. The delegation also visited Zipaquirà, diocese of Bishop Jorge Jimenez Carvajal, president of CELAM, kidnapped by guerrillas in November last year. In the view of Jimenez, after the meeting with the CCEE, “a new and historic window of communion and collaboration has been opened”.
