Without return

We wish to complement the note of SirEurope (no. 56 of 27 July) with the words with which the representatives of the Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican Churches are presenting the theme of the Third European Ecumenical Assembly due to be held in Sibiu (Romania) from 3 to 9 September on the theme: “The light of Christ shines upon everyone. Hope for renewal and unity in Europe”. “ Today, the whole world needs this light and this enlightenment. A need of transforming our lives, renewing our commitment, reviewing our ecclesial priorities in an Europe in particular where Christ’s presence is still questioning through various forms and styles. Our Churches today need this light which is Christ’s hope for search of new ways for unity. The path and process is still long and very costly. Sometimes we are not sure and even certain, if we would like to continue this permanent daily struggle… In this perspective, the light of Christ and Christ’s prayer to his heavenly Father for his disciples as well as for all who believe in him “that they may all be one” (John, 17:22), is to be understood not simply as a wish, which the Lord expressed occasionally, but as a mandate and a gift given to all who follow him and the first of to all Churches”. (Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima – Ecumenical Patriarchate) “ Europe has a particular responsibility for the ecumenical journey in that it has been the theatre for division among Christians, something then exported to other continents. Today, Europe is called to contribute to reconciliation so that it can then export a re-discovered unity. Europe is also the continent which has the opportunity to create a space where the different Christian denominations can meet, offer mutual witness and decide to make together a contribution to society. We recognise that it is time to set out again in humility to find a new light for the path of reconciliation and overcome the temptations to turn back. Despite all the difficulties we are aware of, the ecumenical journey is a task and vocation without going back”. (Aldo Giordano – catholic, General Secretary of Ccee) “We wanted as many Christians as possible across Europe to have the opportunity to reflect on the themes which will be under discussion at the EEA3. These are themes which affect all the citizens of Europe: unity, spirituality, witness, European unity, migration, relationships between faiths, justice, peace, creation. When we issued our invitation, we were not sure what the response would be. The response has been very positive indeed. From every corner of Europe we have reports of meetings which have been lively and engaging as numbers of people, the majority of whom will not be able to be present at Sibiu, reflected together in a context of prayer and worship on the themes which will engage us all at Sibiu. We are very grateful to all who throughout Europe who have caught the vision of an Assembly which is informed not just by the 2100 delegates present in Sibiu in September but by countless numbers of women and men, young and old from across Europe who pray and reflect with us in their nations and regions”. (Colin Williams – Anglican, General Secretary of Kek)