“We have committed ourselves to a common journey", "we have tried to create a climate of mutual trust and understanding by working and praying together. We meant to live a spirituality deeply rooted in the Word of God". These are the words of the final release on the first step of the Third European Ecumenical Assembly (Aee3), the ecumenical gathering of 150 delegates from 44 European countries that took place in Rome from January 24th to 27th 2006. The final release, published today by the Conference of the European Churches (Kek) and by the Council of the Bishops Conferences of Europe (Ccee), which promoted the meeting, places emphasis on "the existence of problem areas but also a hope of making progress in ecumenical relations". The Christians of Europe have a special responsibility, as they are challenged to work together for Europe and for peace in Europe”. But they need to overcome "mistrust, inaction and impatience, the real enemies of ecumenism". The second step of the Aee3 will include national and regional meetings from Lent to the Week of Prayer for the Unity of Christians of January 2007. The third step, which will take place in Wittenberg, Germany, in February 2007, will be the same size as that of Rome. Finally, the last step will involve a big gathering of 2,500 delegates in Sibiu, Romania, in September 2007, about “The light of Christ shines on everybody: Hope of renewal and unity in Europe". The release is available on www.ccee.ch or www.eea3.org
