The Joint Committee for relations with the Muslims in Europe of the Conference of the European Churches (Kek) and the Council of the European Bishops Conferences (Cebc) met in Leicester, United Kingdom, from 3rd to 6th May. The news was relayed by the CEBC, which says "the Committee met Muslims committed to inter-religious dialogue: the members of the Muslim community of Leicester and the staff of the Islamic Foundation of Markfield. The focus of the debate was what it means to be Muslims in Europe and the training of imams and the Christian clergy. "The Committee states the CBEC release highlighted the need to pay more attention to the Muslim minorities in the Eastern European countries. These are not immigrant populations, as in the Western countries, but have their own traditions and are rooted in their societies". In this respect, "the Third European Ecumenical Assembly of Sibiu (4-9 September) will be an opportunity to find ways for dialoguing with the religious minorities of Eastern Europe and bringing their centuries-old experience to the fore". During the meeting, the parties expressed concern for the situation of Christians in Turkey and encouraged the training of the Christian clergy and Muslim imams. The meeting was concluded by lunch, hosted by the Anglican bishop of Leicester, Tim Stevens.
