chURCHES IN BRIEF
CCEE-CEC: joint Committee meets in GenevaRepresentatives of European Christian Churches will delve into the theme: “New challenges for the Churches’ witness in Europe” on the occasion of the meeting of the Joint Committee of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) with the Council of European Bishops’ Conference in Geneva next Jan 26 to 28. The meeting – states a release issued – takes place at the conclusion of the worldwide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, at the invitation of Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, President of the Conference of European Churches (CEC). The Committee established in 1972, is the highest body for dialogue between CEC and CCEE. It usually meets annually and includes, as well as the General Secretaries of the two bodies, seven members from CEC and seven appointed by CCEE. Participants will debate the political, economic and demographic challenges faced by the Churches and society as a whole with the contribution of Giancarlo Blangiardo, Professor of Demographic Studies at the Milano-Bicocca University, and of Alister McGrath, Theology Professor at King’s College (London, U.K.) Workshops and the sharing of pastoral and local experiences regarding the ongoing situation are also scheduled to take place during the meeting. The agenda also includes discussions on the following issues: the presence of the Roma people (Roma, Sinti, Gitani); the dialogue with Muslims in Europe and the current political and economic situation in Europe. This year, the CEC delegated members will be meeting for the first time the new CCEE Presidency and members of the Joint Committee appointed October 2011 at CCEE’s Plenary Assembly.France: Catholic press on the challenges of digital technology”Addressing the challenge of digital technology in Christian press and media”. It is the theme of the Days for Reflection promoted by the French Catholic Press Federation, due to take place in Annecy next January 26-27. “Two days for reflection on the ongoing revolution that overruns journalism, changes information conveyance and raises questions on the future of printed press”. “In less than ten years – said René Poujol, coordinator of the programme – digital innovation brought about a major change in the media and the press”. Screen-shots, tablets, smartphones and the like, have invaded the lives of millions of men and women”, raising “countless questions regarding the future of the press”. Two specific aspects will be addressed in Annency. Firstly, to assess the situation of the ongoing digital revolution in the press and the media; and delving into the digital challenge faced by the Church, which includes related topics such as that regarding Christian bloggers and the Church’s commitment vis a vis the present anthropological and cultural transformation. To this regard Msgr. Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, will deliver a video-conference with the spokesperson of the French Bishops’ Conference Msgr. Bernard Podvin and theologian Henri-Jerome Gagey.Slovakia: Sunday of Catholic University”Our main mission is to form reason and heart of our students”, said the rector of Catholic University in Ruzomberok, Prof. Tadeusz Zasêpa, inviting all faithful in Slovakia to support the only Catholic university in the country with their prayers and financial contribution. The “Sunday of Catholic University” will be celebrated traditionally on the last Sunday of January, according to the decision of the Bishops’ Conference of Slovakia from 2009. Last year’s collection has been used for building the University library, due to be open in december 2012. “We try to create a protective space in which the science can develop freely and where the students can reach personal maturity thanks to a chance to search for truth in freedom and love”, explained rector, whose letter will be read in churches of all Catholic parishes in Slovakia on 29 January, recalling the words of the Blessed John Paul II, that Catholic universities are essential for growth and development of Christian culture and human progress: “That’s why the whole ecclesial community is invited to help Catholic institutions of higher education and provide them help and support in their efforts for their own development and renewal”.
