Ecclesiology and Mission
Communion has been the hermeneutical framework for comprehending the nature and mission of the Church. Despite differences in understanding and applying the concept, and divisions over a number of theological questions, churches ascribing to it, have developed a common theological language and share a considerable common ground.
Increased migration in Europe has been changing the ecclesial landscape. European churches with historical longevity have now spread into new contexts. Vibrant Evangelical and Pentecostal churches are growing, charismatic movements are emerging, and ancient Oriental churches are finding a new home in European societies.
In view of this reality, CEC facilitates theological dialogue among its Member Churches and National Councils of Churches to examine their understanding of Church unity and witness in conversation with “migrant” and “minority ethnic” churches in Europe.
CEC’s work in this area is founded on the Charta Œcumenica, a joint document of CEC and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) signed by the presidents of the two organisations in 2001. The document seeks to strengthen fellowship among churches. Learn more and read here responses to the Charta Œcumenica presented by our Member Churches, National Councils of Churches and Organisations in Partnership.
For the period 2018 to 2023 our work focuses on the following areas:
- Evaluating the impact of the Charta Œcumenica
- Facilitating dialogue on questions of ecclesiology and mission
- Exploring Christian unity together with “migrant” and “minority ethnic” churches
- Studying the mutual recognition of baptism in Europe

Related posts
-
24 Jan, 2023
CEC at the Conference of the International Orthodox Theological Association
War, peace and public theology are some of the topics brought into focus by the Conference of European Churches (CEC) at the Conference of the International Orthodox Theological Association. CEC Executive Secretary for Theological Dialogue, Katerina Pekridou participated in the conference hosted by the Volos Academy for Theological Studies in Greece.
-
14 Dec, 2022
Pathways to Peace: CEC to implement peace initiatives in Europe
As part of CEC’s strategic framework, the Governing Board of the Conference of European Churches approved a plan titled “Pathways to Peace” to promote justice, reconciliation and peace, especially in the context of war in Ukraine. The plan will strengthen CEC’s role as a church-fellowship, engaging in dialogue with European institutions, raising a Christian voice to address crucial political concerns.
-
4 Dec, 2022
CCEE-CEC Joint Committee discuss peace and security in Europe, and ecumenical dialogue
Members of the Joint Committee of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) reflected on significant themes concerning churches in Europe. The committee met from 28 to 30 November in Brussels.
-
28 Aug, 2022
European churches affirm reconciliation and unity ahead of the WCC Assembly
Report from CEC highlights European Church contribution toward reconciliation and unity ahead of the WCC Assembly. The report is an outcome of CEC’s European Regional Pre-Assembly, which focused on the WCC Assembly theme “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity” earlier this year.
-
7 Apr, 2022
CEC and COMECE presidents at the Polish-Ukrainian border call for peace and reconciliation
The Presidents of CEC and COMECE issue a special Easter message from the Polish-Ukrainian border on Friday 8 April 2022, invoking prayer and action for peace in Ukraine and beyond. “Let us continue to pray and work for justice, reconciliation and peace between people, cultures, nations.”
-
31 Mar, 2022
CEC General Secretary meets the Ecumenical Patriarch
Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and the Ecumenical Patriarch on 31 March at the offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.
-
31 Mar, 2022
Déclaration commune de la Conférence des Églises Européenes et du Conseil des Conférences Épiscopales d’Europe sur la guerre en Ukraine
Nous, membres du Comité commun du Conseil des Conférences épiscopales d’Europe et de la Conférence des Églises européennes, réunis à Bratislava pour notre rencontre annuelle, appelons les dirigeants des nations et la communauté internationale à faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour faire cesser la guerre actuelle qui détruit des vies et provoque des souffrances innommables.
-
27 Mar, 2022
Video messages from CEC General Secretary
To connect with CEC Member Churches across Europe, CEC general secretary Dr Jørgen Skov Sørensen brings highlights from significant CEC activities in a video update each month.
-
21 Mar, 2022
CEC–CCEE Joint Committee appeals for an end to war in Ukraine
Members of the Joint Committee of CEC and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences are calling leaders of the nations and the international community to do everything in their power to end the current war in Ukraine that is destroying lives and causing untold suffering.
-
28 Feb, 2022
Les Églises d’Europe esquissent une traduction de l’amour du Christ dans un continent en guerre
Le thème « L’amour du Christ mène le monde à la réconciliation et à l’unité » qui a rassemblé 150 participants d’Églises européennes, les 25 et 26 février, a fortement résonné avec l’actualité du continent, au lendemain de l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine.