3 Jun, 2019
Together in Hope and Witness
Focusing on the theme “Together in Hope and Witness” – the CEC Governing Board have finalised the strategic priorities for CEC’s work for the next four years.
5 Dec, 2019
European asylum and migration policy: Exercise solidarity, share responsibility, show leadership
Press Release No: 19/27 issued jointly with the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe6 December 2019Brussels The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) have urged heads of the European Institutions to exercise solidarity, share responsibility and show leadership in regard to European asylum and migration policy. The two ecumenical organisations have issued a joint letter on 6 December, addressing Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Charles Michel, President of the European Council and David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament. “We hold dearly the inviolable dignity of every human being created in the image of God and are deeply committed to the concepts of the common good, global solidarity and a society welcoming strangers,” reads the letter. “It is against this background that we address you today on the issue of a comprehensive, protection and human rights oriented EU asylum and migration policy.” The two organisations have made strong recommendations to the EU institutions urging them to facilitate a comprehensive, preferably long-term, legally sound mechanism for Search and Rescue at the EU’s southern border. They must “adopt a system of relocation of those rescued at sea as well as those arriving in the member states at the EU external border,” the letter says. Dr Torsten Moritz, General Secretary of the CCME said that “at the moment EU asylum and migration discussions focus very much on protecting borders and keeping migrants and refugees outside Europe. Therefore, for churches it is especially in this time of the year important to underline that discussions should focus on protecting and welcoming humans – here in Europe.” CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger said, “the church leaders have confirmed in their last year’s Christmas statement that Christians around Christmas remember Jesus as a refugee, who took refuge in Egypt.” He went on to say that “this remembrance should inspire us for a ‘fresh start’ in European asylum and migration policy – as promised by the European Commission President von der Leyen.” The letter also reminds that migration is and will be a feature of life in Europe in an increasing number of member states and can, if well organised, contribute to wealth and social harmony in the EU. “Churches across Europe have over decades, and in particular since 2015, contributed massively to a structure and culture of welcome. We will continue to do so. We also stand ready to support those defending Christian values and practice through loving our neighbour,” affirms the joint letter. Read full text: European asylum and migration policy: exercise solidarity, share responsibility, show leadership Read more about the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe For more information or an interview, please contact: Naveen Qayyum Communication Assistant Conference of European Churches Rue Joseph II, 174 B-1000 Brussels Tel. +32 2 234 68 42 Fax +32 2 231 14 13 E-mail: naveen@cec-kek.be Website: www.ceceurope.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ceceurope Twitter: @ceceurope
26 Nov, 2019
CEC at 16th Steering Committee on Bioethics in Strasbourg
CEC participated in the meeting of the 16th Steering Committee on Bioethics, an intergovernmental working group of the Council of Europe, held in Strasbourg.
26 Nov, 2019
Prayers and condolences over Albania earthquake
In the wake of the deadly earthquake that hit Albania, CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger has conveyed condolences and prayers.
21 Nov, 2019
Jørgen Skov Sørensen appointed as CEC general secretary
Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen has been appointed as the new general secretary of the Conference of European Churches.
20 Nov, 2019
CEC–CCEE Joint Committee: Living Hope in Europe Today
Inspired by the biblical premise of Isaiah 51:9 “Awake, awake, put on strength!” the Joint Committee of the CEC and CCEE affirmed hope in addressing Europe’s challenges.
13 Nov, 2019
Les murs de la séparation ne montent pas jusqu’au ciel
Jean Fischer, ancien secrétaire général de la Conférence des Églises européennes partage ses réflexions à l'occasion du 30ème anniversaire de la chute du mur de Berlin.
13 Nov, 2019
Walls of separation could not reach the heavens
Jean Fischer, CEC's former general secretary shares reflections on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
13 Nov, 2019
Die Mauern der Trennung konnten den Himmel nicht erreichen
“ Zum 30. Jahrestag des Falles der Berliner Mauer gibt Jean Fischer, ehemaliger Generalsekretär der Konferenz Europäischer Kirchen, die folgenden Gedanken weiter.
12 Nov, 2019
New publication: Human Rights, Religious Freedom and Faces of Faith
A new book titled "Human Rights, Religious Freedom and Faces of Faith" published by CEC and Globethics.net has just been released.