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
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21 Apr, 2021
Video: Ecumenical Service celebrating 20 years of “Charta Œcumenica”
Video recording of the Ecumenical Service celebrating 20th Anniversary of the landmark document Charta Œcumenica – Guidelines for the Growing Cooperation among Churches in Europe is now available on CEC YouTube.
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11 Apr, 2021
CEC-CCEE issue joint statement on 20th Anniversary of Charta Oecumenica
To mark the 20th Anniversary of the landmark document Charta Œcumenica – Guidelines for the Growing Cooperation among Churches in Europe, Rev. Christian Krieger, president of CEC and H. Em. Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of CCEE have issued the following joint statement.
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5 Apr, 2021
Theological Reflections: Communion in Crisis – A Protestant Perspective from Germany
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30 Mar, 2021
CEC and COMECE share a message of hope for Easter amid Covid-19
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30 Mar, 2021
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2 Mar, 2021
Theological Reflections: Communion in Crisis: The Church during the COVID-19 Pandemic
As part of CEC’s new online series of monthly Theological Reflections titled “Communion in Crisis: The Church during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” read here reflections from Greek theologian Dr Stavros Yangazoglou on “The Church as communion of faith, worship and life: Ecclesiological challenges and antinomies during the pandemic and health restrictions.”
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20 Jan, 2021
CEC launches video contributions to Conference on “The Hope of Communion: From 1920 to 2020”
Contributions made to the Conference on “The Hope of Communion: From 1920 to 2020” have now premiered on CEC YouTube channel. The playlist features video presentations from renowned theologians and church leaders from across Europe and beyond.
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19 Jan, 2021
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Amid the pandemic, European churches unite through prayer
As Europe continues to reel from the COVID-19 crisis, with communities experiencing separation and isolation, churches are observing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in new and innovative ways. Many CEC Member Churches are holding online prayers and celebrations.
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10 Jan, 2021
International Conference “Person in a Post-Religious Society”
CEC President Rev. Christian Krieger’s presentation on “Religion in a Secular Society” for the International Conference on "Person in a Post-Religious Society" is now available.