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pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 1

very challenging and intense year! With these few words we can summarise the events of the past twelve months. For everyone involved, and therefore for the Church and Society Commission as well, it has been Aa year touched by enthusiasm and disappointment, of commitment and evaluation, and of retrospection and looking forward. The outcome of the referenda in France and the Nether- lands have had a major impact, but churches have demonstrated a willingness to further stengthen their commitment to the development of a democratic Europe: a Europe based on human rights, peace, justice, freedom and participation.All this has therefore challenged the Church and So- ciety Commission to continue to reflect on the type OKRin Antje Heider-Rottwilm Fr Georges Ryabykh Co-moderators of Europe we desire, and upon the importance we attach to the struggle for a Europe of values – a socially conscious Europe which promotes solidarity and participation. The European political developments of The churches commit themselves 2005 have also given us • to seek agreement with one another the chance to foster ec- on the substance and goals of our social responsibility, umenical dialogue and and to represent in concert, as far as possible, co-operation between the concerns and visions of the churches vis-à-vis member churches of the secular European Institutions; CEC. At the European • to defend basic values against infringements level and beyond, 2005 of every kind; has also been a year of • to resist any attempt to misuse religion dialogue and coopera- and the church for ethnic or nationalist purposes tion with our partner (Charta Oecumenica, Guidelines for the Growing Cooperation organisations including among the Churches in Europe) the worldwide community of Christian women and men. After a meeting held in November with the President of the Eu- ropean Commission, President Barroso expressed his apprecia- tion of the role of the churches as advocates for the weak, in particular for refugees and minorities. He showed his conviction that CEC will continue to commit itself against social tendencies towards exclusion and xenophobia. It is with this positive image that we commend the 2005 annual report to you; we hope that you en- joy reading it. Visit our website www.cec-kek.org

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 1 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 2

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 2 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005

Rev. Rüdiger Noll Director

The European project urope on the Move was the lands said “No” to the Draft Treaty. The title of the CSC Annual Report financial framework of the EU for the seems to stutter. for 2004. Europe at a Cross- years 2006-2012 could not be adopted. Is a common vision roads was chosen as the title What’s next? The European project seems of Europe about Efor this report covering major to stutter. Is a common vision of Europe developments in the European integra- about to fade away? to fade away? tion process and in the Church and So- In September 2005, the President ciety Commission in 2005. These two ti- of the European Commission declared tles clearly indicate the state of play with that the “Constitution is not going to be regard to the European project. ratified in the near future”. Therefore the European Commission decided to con- 2004 created some excitement and, tinue to work on the basis of the existing to a certain extent, even some “Europho- EU treaties and to show its relevance to ria”. Ten new states became members of the life of the people of Europe. One of the European Union, preparations for fur- the main emphases of the European ther states to join seemed well advanced, Commission is the re-launch of the “Lis- and Heads of State and Government of bon Strategy” and in particular to foster old and new Member States together economic growth and employment. In adopted the Draft Treaty Establishing a parallel, however, the European Com- Constitution for Europe. mission developed its “Plan D”, D for 2005, however, saw some disillusion. Democracy, Dialogue and Debate.“Plan The majority of people participating in D”is meant to lead to a broad discussion referenda in France and in the Nether- within member states and on the Euro- pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 3

bate about the future of Europe, encour- contribution to the WCC Assembly in Por- aging CEC member churches to actively to Alegre. participate in national discussion process- As far the developments within CEC es. The CSC also addressed the re- and the CSC are concerned, the Third Eu- launched Lisbon Strategy.It emphasised ropean Ecumenical Assembly (EEA3), that economic growth and employment whose final event is scheduled to take must be kept in balance with social co- place in Sibiu, Romania (September hesion and sustainability – as envisaged 2007), serves as an important focal point. by the original aims of Lisbon. The issue The EEA3 is organised jointly with the of employment and sustainable develop- Council of European Bishops’ Conferences ment will be a major item on the CSC (CCEE). 2500-3000 participants from all agenda in the coming months.“A Sus- over Europe are expected to attend the tainable Europe”was also the title of the Assembly.It will address many issues re- largest-ever Assembly of the European lated to the Church and Society agenda. Christian Environmental Network Romania will provide an important con- (ECEN) in 2005, for which the CSC serves text for the EEA3. Romania – according to as the Secretariat. the Treaty of Accession – will join the Eu- ropean Union together with Bulgaria on Not only the EU, but also other po- 1st January 2007. But there is also a pos- litical institutions, with which the CEC sibility of accession being postponed un- and the CSC are in consultative status, til the end of 2007. Whichever scenario launched major reflection and reform applies, the EEA3 and its context will pro- processes. Most prominently the UN and vide an extraordinary opportunity for the OSCE, which established High-Level churches and Christians to discuss and Panels in order to recommend institu- to experience the effects of the European tional reforms to make the institutions integration process as well as for rein- fit to meet the challenges of a present day forcing the churches’ contribution. The Europe and today’s world. The CSC also EEA3, though, will not just be a one-off monitored these developments closely. event. It is a process with stages in Rome, pean level about the future of the Euro- Many ofthe challenges,however,are Wittenberg and in various European pean Union. not just European. They are of a global countries. Planning has gained momen- nature.As Christians and churches in Eu- tum in 2005 and many of the CSC work- The Church and Society Commis- rope, we are challenged by our sisters and ing groups have started to plan their con- sion tried to cope with the new situa- brothers in the Southern hemisphere to tribution and involvement. tions and to address the new challenges. respond to the negative effects of global- We want to thank again all member While a public statement of the CEC Cen- isation and to also represent their voice churches and partner organisations for tral Committee emphasised that the con- vis-à-vis the European institutions. Glob- their support and cooperation through- cerns of the people in Europe as ex- alisation and a European response to the out the year.We are grateful for the sup- pressed in the French and Dutch refer- AGAPE call of the World Council of Chur- port which we receive from the Central enda must be taken seriously, CEC and ches, therefore, were the main themes of Committee, the Presidium and staff col- CSC also expressed repeatedly their strong the Plenary Meeting of the Church and leagues of CEC, from members of the conviction that, despite justified critique, Society Commission, which held its an- Church and Society Commission, its Ex- “a European Union with a Constitution nual meeting in Dunblane (Scotland) in ecutive Committee and Moderators, as would be better than a Union without a June 2005 just a few days and a few miles well as from the many church repre- Constitution”. The CSC therefore wel- away from the meeting of the G8 Sum- sentatives and experts, who offer their comed the response of the present (Aus- mit, the annual forum of the world’s eco- time, expertise and ideas to our ongoing trian) and future (Finnish) EU Presiden- nomically most powerful states. The Ple- work. It is largely through their engage- cies in stating that they wish to review nary issued an open letter to the G8 Sum- ment and commitment that the CSC can possibilities on reopening the debate on mit. It also discussed the agenda and pre- serve the member churches of CEC and the Draft Treaty. liminary results of the newly established make a contribution to a just, participa- The Church and Society Commission CSC Task Force on Globalisation, which tory and sustainable Europe in a global has continued to participate in the de- then finalised a CSC policy paper and a context.

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 3 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 4

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 4 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005

lobalisation was a major item on the CSC agenda in 2005. This involvement built on the heritage of the Gformer CSC Working Group on North-South Relations as well as on the closer cooperation with global ecumenical organisations, such as WCC, WARC and LWF.Together with them, member churches of CEC and other associated organisations, the CSC had organised, for instance, the two conferences on globalisation in Budapest (2001) and in Soesterberg (2002). The WCC Assem- bly in Proto Alegre (February 2006) served as one of the focal points for the globalisation agenda in 2005. CSC organised a Preparatory Meeting for Euro- pean delegates to Porto Alegre. A CSC Task-Force on Globalisation drafted the document “European churches living their faith in the context of globalisation,”drawing on the attitudes and experiences of European churches in the process of globalisation. The document was adopted by the Executive Com- mittee of the CSC as a Policy Document and as a contribution to the Porto Alegre Globalisation Assembly.

European Churches recognise both, challenges and opportunities in the a challenge process of globalisation. Therefore, neither a total rejection nor an uncritical endorsement of globalisation seems to be appropriate, although some economic ef- for the churches fects make it difficult to keep the balance. Despite some positive elements, the increasingly negative effects of globalisation on particularly vulnerable groups pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 5

European Churches recognise both, challenges and opportunities in the process of globalisation. Therefore, neither a total rejection nor an uncritical endorsement of globalisation seems to be appropriate, although some economic effects make it difficult to keep the balance.

such as the poor, the unemployed, socially ing the culture and identity of hu- of establishing a social market economy marginalised, migrants and minorities mankind around the globe. under-girded by values such as social jus- have to be highlighted. Special attention tice, solidarity and the protection of cre- must be paid to the effects in developing The fact, that so many churches in ation. countries and to the relations between Europe address the issue of globalisation, countries and economic players from the may serve as an indicator for the urgency The CSC Policy Paper on Global- northern and southern hemisphere. The of the issue and the willingness of the isation seeks to provide a theological CSC document strongly opposes devel- churches to assume their responsibility. and ethical orientation and explores un- opments and actions, which play against Churches in Europe draw on their expe- derlying values and principles. On the ba- the most vulnerable, which neglect nat- riences from different ideological and eco- sis of the European experiences it enu- ural limits and which turn markets and nomic systems in western as well as cen- merates the challenges for the churches totalitarian ideologies into idols. In the tral and eastern Europe, which existed in and organisations such as the Conference present form of globalisation, it is espe- Europe since World War II. Churches from of European Churches. The document cially the idolatry of the market and the central and eastern Europe with their par- wants to offer a starting point for the di- laws of a “market society”that have harm- ticular experience under totalitarian alogue with churches from other conti- ful consequences on God’s creation, hu- regimes emphasize the value. This corre- nents and for the ongoing reflection and man relationships as well as on preserv- lates with the attempts in western Europe actions of European churches.

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Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 6 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005

n 2005, two major issues were debated on European institutional level, name- ly end of life issues and stem cell research. The Church and Society Com- End of life, Imission (CSC) of CEC contributed to the debates through its Working Group on Bioethics and Biotechnology.

End of life issues. Stem cell This debate cul- minated in a debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg trying to adopt a research draft Recommendation. It sought to re- open the debate following Recommen- dation 1418 (1999), which rejected eu- ethical issues debated thanasia but strongly supported pallia- tive care. The proponents aimed to ask the 46 Council of Europe member states in the European to consider a possible liberalisation of euthanasia following current practice in Bel- gium and the Netherlands. Institutions The CSC through the contributions from its member churches developed its position and participated in the parliamentary debate stating:“All the churches agree that the deliberate killing of suffering and dying human beings is a grave of life.”It concluded: “The question is, if ligious Freedom made comments based sin. All churches underline the need for on the basis of the Recommendation on the new draft. Finally,the revised Rec- the maintenance of good terminal care, 1418 (1999) of the Parliamentary As- ommendation was submitted to PACE in including offering of pastoral care. The sembly further regulations can be found April 2005 and decisively rejected (138 problem of euthanasia normally comes which do not imply a right to euthanasia against, 26 in favour, 5 abstentions). It ap- up in a situation where, at least, two main but help to protect the above values, giv- pears that the work of the CSC actively principles of medical ethics collide or at ing assistance to suffering human beings contributed to this result. least are at odds: protection of human life and those who are responsible for their and the alleviation of pain and distress. support.” Stem cell research. The debate Restricting oneself to alleviation of pain Following failure to reach agreement about the use of stem cells for research and distress may result in a shortening in PACE in January 2004 a new text was and therapy remains controversial in Eu- of the process of dying. In that case we then developed over the following 1? rope, in particular at EU level in the con- enter into a “grey area” where good ter- years. The CSC Working Groups on text of the adoption of the 7th Frame- minal care may imply the abbreviation Bioethics and on Human Rights and Re- work Programme for Research 2007- pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 7

funding by EU money of any project in- European Churches volving them. The only way to avoid the ethical controversy would be to use only recognise both, challenges adult stem cells. and opportunities in the In July we issued a reflection paper on “New Issues in Stem Cells and Regener- process of globalisation. ative Medicine”presenting an ethical dis- Therefore, neither a total cussion on recent developments in research, such as embryos from pre-im- rejection nor an plantation genetic diagnosis,cloned em- uncritical endorsement of bryos for therapy, parthenogenesis and animal-human hybrid cells. While en- globalisation seems to be couraging the use of adult stem cells, the paper states: “Human stem cell research appropriate, although is still a very young science. No one knows some economic effects how effective either adult or embryo cells may prove.A priori, the case for adult and make it difficult to keep cord blood stem cells as a general source the balance. of replacement cells for degenerative diseases is weaker.By definition embryonic stem cells must be capable of producing all cell types of the human body, where- as adult stem cells are not designed to do this. If only adult cells were researched the risk is that less conditions might be would be a welcome change to their nor- treatable than if both routes were re- mal expectations. We ask how far stem searched. Some of us would advocate pur- cell research is justified while European 2013. There is a range of potential thera- suing embryo and adult cell research in countries promoting it still have not ful- pies using stem cells to regenerate cells parallel, with a cross-fertilisation of filled their promises of the percent of the destroyed by serious diseases. In one type knowledge, but others of us consider that GDP they dedicate to aid and support for healthcare in the developing world”. of therapy, adult stem cells are used di- ethically, only adult cells can be re- The paper was welcomed in the cir- rectly to regenerate cells, for example searched, and any limitations duly ac- blood cells in bone marrow transplants. cepted.” cles of the Steering Committee on A future possibility is that embryonic Bioethics of the Council of Europe and stem cells (and possibly adult stem cells) It concludes on opportunity costs: the European Group on Ethics in science and new technologies of the European may be used to generate specific types of “As churches we draw attention to con- Commission. replacement body cells (e.g. nerve cells cerns that expensive stem cell research for Parkinson’s, pancreas cells for dia- may be a luxury of “Northern” lifestyle betes). Those in the institutions and in which expects to live in good health to a society who oppose the use of embryon- good old age. For many of the world’s ic stem cells for ethical reasons reject the population, living even a full span of life

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Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 8 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 The European social

he uncertainty about the sus- what makes for peace and for mutual up- tainability of social protec- building” (Romans 14:17-19). tion systems under the pres- Churches and diaconal organisations sure of globalisation was a are institutions based at grassroots level, T major reason for the failure closest to the people, and are very often of the referenda on the Constitutional the last places to go for those who Treaty in France and the Netherlands. are falling through the safety nets The heated debate on the Directive on of the social protection sys- Services in the Internal Market reflected tems. Thus, the practice of the concerns among European people solidarity is an essential about the decrease of social standards element of Christian and employment conditions. At the same time, the demographic changes in the population urge all European govern- ments to come to substantial changes in their social protection systems.

Community building and participation are an essential part of the Chris- tian understanding of social inclusion. As the apostle Paul wrote to the European capital of his time, the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit... So then let us pursue

“As churches we must move beyond comparison and competition, the win-lose race in the economic world, and emphasise what unites human beings, a basic value that is given and not won in competition, a common longing for peace and justice that is our only security and a willingness to share in order to grow together.” Archbishop Karl Gustav Hammar, Church of Sweden, at the opening of the Conference on “A common vision for a social Europe”in November 2005 in Brussels. pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 9

model: out of fashion?

faith, also with regard to European poli- scope of the Directive. On 16 February cies. 2006, the European Parliament finally The CSC engaged very actively in the adopted the proposal for the Services Di- various debates on European values and rective by a large majority at first read- the relevance of social policies. In a joint ing. The Parliament’s decision improved letter with Eurodiaconia to the Luxem- the original proposal of the EU Com- bourg Presidency and in a meeting mission. Social services and healthcare with Prime Minister Jean-Claude services,for instance,are now excluded Juncker in March 2005, CSC from the scope of the Directive. The Par- stressed the importance liament’s decision, however, does not con- of an overall coherence clude the legislative process. The CSC will of EU policies. “We be- have to monitor the ongoing legislative lieve that any revision of procedure in the European Commission, the Lisbon Strategy (i.e. the Council and the European Parliament. EU’s economic framework strategy) should reassert the Besides monitoring legal acts on balance of economic, social the European level, there is a need for the and environmental values.” churches to advocate a much broader un- We were glad to see that the derstanding of the common good in Eu- following European Summit ropean societies. In November 2005, CSC, reintroduced social cohesion together with Eurodiaconia, gathered and environmental policies more than sixty representatives from Eu- as priorities to the Lisbon ropean churches and diaconal organisa- Strategy. tions in Brussels for an international conference on “A common vision for a social During the whole year, Europe”. CSC monitored closely the de- In their final message, the participants bate on the Services Directive in of the conference confirmed the com- the European Parliament and the mitment of churches and diaconia:“There prearrangements for a communi- cannot be a full community without par- cation of the EU Commission on so- ticipation of vulnerable people. Churches cial and healthcare services. On nu- and diaconia are wedded to a ‘privileged merous occasions, we addressed the Par- option for the poor’, that means living to- liament asking for an exemption of so- gether in solidarity with the vulnerable, cial and healthcare services from the the excluded, the marginalised people.”

Further information on the CEC website: http://www.cec-kek.org/content/economic.shtml

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Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 10 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 “Open, transparent

he CSC as well as many of its member churches welcomed article I-52 of the “Treaty establishing a Constitution for T Europe” as major step forward in the relations between the churches and the European institutions. In this article the European Union recognises the identity and special contribution of the churches and commits itself to an “open, transparent and regular dialogue”with the churches, religious communities and “non-confessional organisations”. Now that the ratification process has been put on hold, has this dialogue ended before it really began?

On 12th July 2005, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, received representatives of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths for an exchange and dialogue, which he sug- gested be repeated about every six months. During the meeting a wide range of topics of common concern for the religious communities and the European Commission were addressed. CEC Presidium member Thomas Wipf and CSC Director Rüdiger Noll addressed issues related to Europe as a value-based community and the European Commis- sion’s programme on “European citizen- ship”. Opening the meeting, President Bar- roso expressed his conviction that it did not require the ratification of the Consti- tutional Treaty for the dialogue to continue.“The dialogue between the religions and the European Commission has al- ways existed and will continue”, he said. pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 11

and regular” Relations with the European political Institutions

However, such dialogue does not go delegations,consisting of member church status in the Steering Committee on Hu- without saying, as became evident when representatives from the respective coun- man Rights. The CSC will, however, be in- some Members of the European Parlia- tries and from the CSC/COMECE offices, vited when issues of concern for the chur- ment questioned the President of the Eu- were received by Prime Minister Jean- ches are on the Committee’s agenda. Clos- ropean Commission for having received Claude Juncker (Luxembourg) and For- er relations with the CoE’s Committee of representatives of the religious commu- eign Minister Ursula Plassnik (Austria). Ministers are still under consideration. nities. There are still forces in the Euro- In 2005, contacts with Members of the pean institutions advocating that religion European Parliament increased consid- Last but not least, major features of should play no role at the institutions. erably,especially in relation to the debate the year were the substantial debates These voices, wanting to limit religion around Services Directive. During the about the reform of the United Nations solely to the private sphere, are few, but CSC/Eurodiaconia Conference on Social and the OSCE. Both organisations had es- they seem to become more vocal. Issues (November 2005), parliamentari- tablished High Level Panels, whose find- ans from three different groupings dis- ings were discussed at various forums There is no need to over emphasise cussed the Services Directive with church throughout the year. The CSC followed such opinions arguing for a strict separa- representatives, just a day after the re- these debates very closely through its var- tion instead of cooperation between states, spective committee of the European Par- ious Working Groups under human international organisations and religious liament had taken a vote. In addition to rights’ and security aspects.Also the CSC communities. But it is all the more im- the CSC facilitating many contacts be- policy paper on globalisation indirectly portant that the existing dialogue with the tween member church delegations and commented on the UN reforms asking European institutions, on various levels, MEPs, the CSC was also invited by one of for an effective system of global gover- continues in practice. This was also ex- its the Vice-Presidents, Dr Ingo Friedrich, nance based on transparency and peo- pressed when President Barroso received to publicly present the book on “Euro- ple’s participation. the CEC President Jean-Arnold de Cler- pean Churches Confronting Poverty” in Part of the reform agenda is the pro- mont and a CSC delegation on 7th No- the European Parliament. gressing of plans for a European Funda- vember. In addition, there have been nu- It had been hoped, in 2005, to foster mental Rights Agency as an independent merous contacts between the CSC and the even closer relations with the Council of centre of expertise on fundamental rights. European Commission on the working Europe (CoE). Many working relations do Its main role will be to collect and analyse level. Discussions with Director Matthias already exist; but notwithstanding that data in order to advise Member States and Ruete from DG Enterprise and Mr Mark CEC/CSC already enjoys observer status the Union’s institutions on preparation Gray from the Cabinet of Commissioner in the CoE Steering Committee on and implementation of legislation. The Wallström during the CSC Secretaries Bioethics, the Committee of Ministers, CSC, in cooperation with CCME, has ac- Meeting on the Lisbon Strategy and “Plan though recognising CSC’s contribution tively participated in the process leading D”– two priorities of the European Com- and competence, refused to grant observer to the creation of the Agency.We wel- mission – serve as an example. comed its proposed monitoring role if it Despite the fact that no meeting with “CEC sees the results of the ratification encompasses the broad set of funda- the British EU Presidency could be process of the Constitutional Treaty as a mental rights as foreseen in the EU Char- arranged, 2005 saw meetings with the challenge to intensify debates on Europe ter of Fundamental rights and in any po- Luxembourg and the incoming Austrian in European churches and will continue tential international Human Rights in- EU Presidencies. The joint CSC/COMECE to stay in dialogue with the politicians strument that the EU may ratify in future. and the people calling for a democratic united Europe owned by its citizens”. Statement of the CEC Central Committee on “European Constitutional Treaty: a call for citizen’s

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Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 12 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 Sustainable Europe

etween 5th and 8th May 2005, more than 120 participants from 30 European countries and from all ma- Bjor Christian traditions met in Basel, Switzerland, for the 5th Assem- bly of the European Christian Environ- mental Network (ECEN). The Assembly was hosted by the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in and around Basel. The Federation of Protestant Churches in Switzerland supported the meeting substantially. Basel was a very symbolic venue for the Assembly, as the city also hosted the First European Ecumenical Assembly in 1989. The delegates in Basel met around the theme: “The churches’ contribution to a sustainable Europe”. In the basic document of the Assembly, a call to member churches of CEC and the bishops’ conferences of CCEE, the delegates stated, “We are concerned that the ecological and social situation is deteriorating... Despite all scientific and political declarations and warnings, too little is being done often too late about many of the critical prob- lems such as climate change, loss of bio- diversity, air, water and soil deterioration.” In order to meet this challenge the document attempts to contribute to a more precise definition of the concept of “sustainability” and indicates a series of issues and actions to be taken up by the churches and European politicians.

The Assembly stressed that churches should give a high priority to dis- seminating and underlining the importance of sustainability,ensuring that “their pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 13 urope

personal and communal lives include sus- therefore very closely linked to CSC and The Venerable Colin Williams tainability as part of their Christian va- CEC as one of its major instruments to New General Secretary of CEC lues”. Christians “could encourage gov- address environmental issues. CEC and ernments to actively explore and urgent- CCEE are now in the process of jointly The Central Committee of CEC, meeting in Crete in June ly apply the most effective environmental organising the Third European Ecu- 2005, elected the Venerable Colin Williams to be the new Gen- fiscal policies as a practical and economic menical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania, in eral Secretary of CEC, in succession to the Rev Dr Keith way of conserving energy, limiting envi- September 2007, where environmental Clements, who retired on 30 November 2005. ronmental degradation and increasing issues will also be high on the agenda. Colin Williams, before taking up the post as General Sec- renewable resources”. During the worship life of the ECEN As- retary of CEC, served in the Church of England, most recent- As for the European Union, ECEN af- sembly, the candle of the 1989 Ecumeni- ly as Archdeacon of Lancaster in the Diocese of Blackburn in firms that “the current EU strategy for cal Assembly in Basel, now carrying the the North West of England. Prior to his studies of theology at Oxford and his ordination, Colin Williams practised as a lawyer. sustainable development needs to be logos of all European Ecumenical As- From 1996-2005, Colin Williams was a member of the Meis- strengthened and implemented, equally semblies, symbolised the past and future sen Commission, which works towards full, visible unity be- the commitments undertaken in Johan- journey of the network and its links with tween the Church of England and the Evangelical Church in nesburg 2002” as well as the obligations the European Ecumenical Assemblies. Germany (EKD) as well as of the General Synod of the Church of England and its Council for Christian Unity. The 2005 Assembly of Colin Williams assumed of- ECEN was the largest meet- fice as General Secretary on 1st ing that the Network has or- December 2005. His office is ganised. In addition to ses- based in the Ecumenical Centre sions for delegates, a num- in Geneva, where he was official- ly installed during an act of wor- ber of events were organised ship on 16th December. Though as public events in the city of Basel. Thus based in Geneva, Colin Williams will frequently visit the of- the EU and all European states have to- the Assembly provided an extraordinary fices of the Church and Society Commission in Brussels and wards developing countries. opportunity for Christians from all over Strasbourg; one of his tasks is to work with colleagues in the In addition to the basic document, the Europe, who are involved in the protec- newly established CEC Leadership Team to coordinate the Assembly also adopted a message enti- tion of the environment, to meet. It en- work of CEC as a whole and of its commissions. tled “From ECEN to every church and abled the participants to deepening their On his first visit to Brussels following his election as Gen- congregation in Europe.”It was widely work in special areas of ECEN activities, eral Secretary, he met with CSC partner organisations and re- circulated, translated into 16 languages notably a “creation time” (promoting a presentatives of the European Commission, including Johannes and has been used in many churches time devoted to creation in the liturgical Laitenberger, now Spokesperson and Ambassador Dr Michael Weninger, European Policy Advisor. across the continent. calendar of the churches), creation the- The new General Secretary is very committed to CEC’s ology, environmental education, climate work with the European Institutions. On his election he said: ECEN is a network of delegates from change, motorised mobility and air traf- “I am very excited at the prospect of working as part of the churches and experts, who are commit- fic, eco-management of churches and CEC team. Europe stands at a crossroads. Throughout our con- ted to the protection of God’s creation and church-related institutions, and water. It tinent, women and men are entering into debate about the who are involved in environmental issues. also contributed to deepening links with sort of Europe we must now build. The churches in Europe ECEN was founded upon a recommen- the environmental activities of the Coun- have a distinct contribution to make to that debate as we ar- dation of the Second European Ecu- cil of European Bishops’ Conferences gue for a Europe, which is open, which is compassionate, which menical Assembly in Graz 1997. It is (CCEE). is just, which above all is in touch with its spiritual heritage.”

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 13 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 14

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 14 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 What’s more? The Church and Society Commission is challenged to address a broad range of issues, ensuring a continuous presence and monitoring vis-à-vis the European institutions.A substantial part of the policy work of the CSC is done through its Working Groups (WGs) on issues such as European Integration, EU legislation, Peace, Security and Reconciliation, Bioethics and Biotechnology, Human Rights and Religious Freedom and Social Issues. eace, security and recon- DP) has seen new initiatives in- he Working Group on Euro- ture accession. An important Pciliation issues have domi- cluding EU led peacekeeping T pean integration focuses element in this part of the WG nated the headlines in 2005. A troops deployed in Bosnia-Herze- its work on three areas: engagement is the whole range major task for churches is to help govina and the EU’s supervision 1 the theme of values and iden- of questions linked with the dispel the notion of a clash of of the Rafah checkpoint between tity.This is a genuine religious accession process of Turkey. civilisations between the ‘West’ Egypt and the Palestinian Gaza and Christian based issue, the and the Islamic world. Strip. discussion of which the chur- Within the EU, devel- The UN and the Vienna-based ches have much to contribute. opments continue Organisation for Security and Co- 2 The expectations and hopes fotina da apace – notwith- operation in Europe (OSCE) are linked to the continuing EU trovare standing the no votes currently undergoing review and enlargement. The WG is inter- fotina da trovare in the French and reform processes. The Working ested to deal with the experi- Dutch referendums Group is monitoring such devel- ences of new and old EU on the European Con- opments; peace, security and re- Member states after the 2004 stitutional Treaty. conciliation issues will be pre- enlargement, as well as con- The EU’s Euro- sented as the main theme at the tributing to the discussion in 3 The discussion linked with the pean Security and annual plenary meeting in Sig- the EU candidate countries ratification process of the EU Defence Policy (ES- tuna, Sweden, in April 2006. preparing themselves for fu- Constitution Treaty.

Cooperation in the Ecumenical Centre Third European Ecumenical in Brussels - CCME Assembly 2007 in Sibiu

As co-owners of the Ecumenical Centre in cus on the situation of Roma minorities. At About 3000 delegates from chur- agenda, such as Building Europe, Brussels, the Church and Society Commis- a conference on the topic organised by Ro- ches and church-related organi- Globalisation, Integrity of Creation, sion cooperates closely with the Churches’ ma organisations in December 2005, the sations from all over Europe are Peace and Security, Inter-Religious Commission for Migrants in Europe on a President of the Conference of European expected to attend the European Dialogue. wide range of issues. Churches reiterated the commitment of Ecumenical Assembly (EEA3) in Churches in Europe to live up to this chal- Sibiu, Romania, 4-9 September Fighting trafficking in human beings. lenge. The issue remains on the agenda for 2007. This will be the third Euro- In the endeavours to fight the crime of traf- CCME, particularly regarding its work with- pean Ecumenical Assembly after ficking in human beings, CCME has devel- in the European coordination of the Euro- Basel (1989) and Graz (1997). oped jointly with partner or- pean Network Against In the light of the European in- ganisations including the Racism (ENAR) and tegration process, this Assembly Conference of European the mandate to work could have hardly been better Churches, standards of as- against racism and timed. Romania is due to join the sistance to victims of traf- discrimination; and for European Union in 2007; discus- ficking. The project called CSC particularly in the sions about a Constitutional Treaty With the first encounter on the Christian Action and Net- framework of its hu- for the European Union and the way to Sibiu (Rome, 24-27 Janu- working against Trafficking man rights activities. continuation of the enlargement ary 2006) the period of intensive in Women started its third phase at the end CCME is an ecumenical agency on mi- process may well reach another preparations has begun. Member of 2005. gration and integration, asylum and peak in the year of the EEA3. churches are now encouraged to In 2005, CCME and CSC together with refugees, and against racism and discrim- Therefore the CSC hopes that engage in national preparatory Caritas Europa welcomed the adoption of ination of Protestant, Orthodox and Angli- this context as well as relations to processes before a second pan- the Convention against Trafficking in Hu- can churches, Councils of Churches and di- the European institutions will play European encounter will take place man Beings of the Council of Europe in May aconal agencies in Europe. CCME cooper- an important role in the Assembly in Wittenberg (Germany, 15-18 and called for a speedy ratification by Coun- ates with the Conference of European Chur- and its preparations. Under the February 2007). cil of Europe Member States. ches and the World Council of Churches. main theme of the Assembly “The Further information can be ob- CCME and CEC are currently negotiating light of Christ shines upon all. tained from the EEA3 website: Inclusion of Roma minorities. With re- the merger of the two organisations for Hope for renewal and unity in Eu- www.eea3.org. A study guide can gard to inclusion of ethnic minorities in Eu- CCME to constitute one of three Commis- rope”, several fora are expected be ordered from the Assembly of- ropean societies, CCME and CSC of CEC fo- sions of CEC. to address core issues of the CSC fice in Geneva. pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 15

he Working Group on hu- T man rights and religious freedom has set its priorities Future projects and decided to develop its work on social, economic and cultural rights.An initial research on the issue as a concern for the Euro- ntensifying the cooperation intensified cooperation on em- to those member churches that pean churches has led the WG to Iof European churches to ployment issues. On 22-24 No- consider human rights work a want to develop this issue further. meet the challenges of un- vember 2006, the CSC is planning priority. The group has also decided to fo- employment. Unemployment a conference at the Protestant Lay In the process of producing a cus on the issue of human rights is a major problem in most Eu- Academy Centre in Bonn - Bad manual on human rights, it is vi- versus security issues through an ropean states. In the European Godesberg, which will be the fo- tal to involve practitioners from analysis of international anti-ter- Union alone, more than 18 mil- cus for this mobilisation process. CEC member churches to seek rorism legislation. lion people are unemployed. their input and to promote the pean Rural Network (CERN). Therefore, the Church and Soci- alues as a theme for the use of the manual. The training The Church and Society Com- onitoring the European In- ety Commission’s 2005 Plenary V engagement of the chur- will address present human mission has recently entered stitutions, in particular the Meeting in Dunblane decided ches. The discussion of values in rights issues and related devel- into an agreement with M OIKOS Nederland, the European Commission and the that employment should be a the EU has received a new impe- opments in the European insti- Utrecht-based Christian re- Council of Europe, on issues re- major topic in the work plan. tus following the 2004 enlarge- tutions, as well as in CEC mem- search organisation, to pro- lated to education also contin- During the last months, the CSC ment, the agreement on the ber churches. discussed the issue with a num- opening of accession negotiations The training will be practical duce a major project on the ued in 2005. The Group of CSC changing issues affecting agri- Partner Organisations involved ber of member churches and as- with Turkey and the troublesome and will offer an opportunity to sociated organisations involved process of ratification of the EU experiment with the use of the culture and rural life in Eu- in Education met only once rope. throughout the year, but contacts in industrial mission or diaconal Constitutional Treaty in 2005. The human rights manual. Through with the Council of Europe and work with unemployed people. European Commission respond- the exchange of information especially with the European During 2006, the CSC will launch ed by promoting a deeper debate amongst participants and the Commission’s Directorate on Ed- a process to raise awareness and about the aims and objectives of presentation of policy develop- ucation and Culture were inten- to mobilise its member churches the Union as it currently exists, ments in the European institu- sified with regard to the newly and associated organisations for such as through the publication tions on the issues tackled, the ‘European values in the glob- training will give the opportuni- alised world’ (October 2005) and ty to human rights experts in the “A Soul for Europe”is dissolved, by intensifying reflections about churches to develop skills and to but Inter-Religious Dialogue continues the future of the Union. increasingly engage their chur- pezzetti da The churches now need to ches in human rights work. tagliare In February 2005, the project “A which Win Burton was thanked clearly articulate their position Soul for Europe” was dissolved. for her extraordinary skills and not only in the discussion about he role of religion in con- The project was launched in 1992 efforts in co-ordinating the initia- future of Europe but also in clar- T flict situations. The CSC, when the then-President of the tive, for bringing many commu- ifying their role in the changing with the support of CEC’s mem- European Commission, Jacques nities of faith and conviction from European society. ber churches in Ireland, will or- Delors, challenged the churches all over Europe in touch with each The process of intensive dis- ganise a conference on the role of and religious communities “to other and for contributing with cussions of the theme, culminat- religion in conflict situations. This contribute to the soul of Europe”. many ideas. A farewell party in ing in a conference entitled ‘Va- will be held at Corrymeela, It brought together European or- the Ecumenical Centre in Brus- ganisations of the Christian, Jew- sels was a special occasion for lues, Religion and Identity’ in Northern Ireland, in October ish and Muslim faiths, as well as friends and colleagues of Win to 2006, will be CSC’s response to 2006. The aim is to bring togeth- Humanists, to support activities express their thanks and to say the ongoing debate. er an invited group from chur- sations involved in the South-East and projects contributing to giving “au revoir”. ches in Northern Ireland and the Europe Ecumenical Partnership a soul to Europe. Although the Initiative has been uman Rights manual and Balkans to discuss and reflect up- Programme. In December 2002, the “Soul discontinued, it is by no means Htraining session. It is a tra- on practical issues of how Chris- for Europe” initiative became an an end to inter-religious dialogue dition for the Conference of Eu- tians can contribute to peace- independent international non- in relation to the European inte- ropean Churches to offer its building and reconciliation. profit organisation under Belgian gration process. At a final sym- members training sessions on law with the main aim to foster posium of the initiative, all mem- human rights issues to raise griculture and rural life. inter-religious dialogue in view of bers committed themselves to the European integration process. continue to work together on is- awareness among its member AAgricultural support re- Before, “A Soul for Europe” was sues related to the European in- churches; additionally in sup- mains the largest single budget formally coordinated by staff col- stitutions. The CSC will also con- porting the work of the churches in the European Union and this leagues from EECCS and the tinue to cooperate with the active in human rights advocacy. will continue in the EU’s new Church and Society Commission. CEC/CCEE Committee for Rela- In 2006 the CSC will develop a budget for 2007-2013. Given that The first Co-ordinator was Alas- tions with Muslims, the European manual on human rights issues often churches are often the fo- tair Hulbert, who was followed in Council of Religious Leaders, the especially designed for member cal point of rural communities, 1999 by Win Burton. World Conference of Religions for churches to boost human rights the CSC is maintaining co-oper- There were many occasions at Peace and with partner organi- work and strengthen the support ation with the Churches Euro-

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 15 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 16

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 16 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 The Church and Society Commission goes public

January July Statement by Church and Society Statement on the occasion of the meeting Commission of CEC and Eurodiaconia between President Barroso and religious regarding the proposal for a directive on leaders from the Christian, Jewish and services in the internal market and the Muslim traditions. White Paper on services of general interest Discussion paper on new issues regarding March stem cells and regenerative medicine. Letter to Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, on the occasion September of the Spring Summit of the European Response of the CSC and CCME to the Union.Jointly issued with Eurodiaconia “Draft Recommendation to Member States (European Federation for Diaconia) Regarding A Code of Conduct For Non- Profit Organisations to Promote May Transparency and Accountability Best Call for action on reducing global poverty Practices” on the occasion of the meeting with representatives of the French Government October in view of the summit of the G8 countries. Contribution to the EU Green Paper on demographic changes in cooperation with Statement on the occasion of the meeting Churches’ Commission for Migrants in with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Europe (CCME), Ecumenical Youth and President-in-Office of the European Council in Europe (EYCE) and Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, welcoming Eurodiaconia. the inclusion of respect for human dignity and prospects for increased solidarity in November the Constitutional Treaty. Statement on the occasion of the meeting of the Conference of European Churches Statement to welcome the European with EU Commission President Barroso on Constitutional Treaty as a step towards a the role of churches as partners in the value-based European Union. dialogue about values in the European Union. June Statement of the CEC Central Committee Final message from the conference “A on “European Constitutions Treaty: a call common vision for a social Europe: for citizen’s participation” Towards quality of life for all”.

Book launch in the European Parliament December hosted by its Vice-President Dr Ingo Release of the position paper “European Friedrich MEP:“European Churches Churches living their faith in the context of confronting poverty – Social Action globalisation”published in preparation for against social exclusion”(in co-operation the WCC Assembly in Porto Alegre,Brasil with Eurodiaconia.) (February 2006).

Open letter to the G8 Summit welcoming the initiative of the British Government in prioritising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a focus for the G8. pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 17

Meetings organised by CSC

January July Visit of the Board of the Church of Sweden Meeting of representatives of religious Brussels, Belgium communities with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso February Brussels, Belgium CEC Team Visit to Serbia Serbia October Third Consultation of Church and Society March Staff of European Churches Visit of a delegation of the Turkish Brussels, Belgium Government (EU enlargement) Visit of a delegation of the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches May Brussels, Belgium Joint consultation of CSC,CCME and the Theobalt network on “Free Movement of Persons – an opportunity and a challenge November for the European Union Integration in the Visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury Baltic Sea Region” (Church of England) Visby, Sweden Brussels, Belgium Meeting with the French Foreign Ministry Joint CSC – Eurodiaconia Conference “A in preparation of the G8 Summit Common Vision for a Social Europe: Paris, France Towards Quality of Life for All” Brussels, Belgium Joint CSC – COMECE meeting with the Luxemburg EU Presidency,Prime Minister Visit of a group of Free Churches in Great Jean-Claude Juncker Britain Luxemburg Strasbourg, France Visit of Dr.Michael Weninger, European Meeting of CEC President, Jean Arnold de Policy Advisor, to the ecumenical Clermont, and CSC representatives with organisations in the Ecumenical Centre in the European Commission President José Geneva, Switzerland Manuel Barroso Consultation with the National Council of June Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCCUSA) Visit of Archbishop Yukka Paarma, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland Geneva, Switzerland Brussels, Belgium December Annual plenary meeting of the Church and Consultation on Globalisation for Society Commission European delegates to the WCC Assembly Dunblane, Scotland in Porto Alegre,Brazil Book launch:“European Churches Brussels, Belgium Confronting Poverty”in the European Joint CSC-COMECE meeting with the Parliament, with Ingo Friedrich MEP,Vice- Austrian EU Presidency,Foreign Minister President of the European Parliament Ursula Plassnik Brussels, Belgium Vienna, Austria

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 17 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 18

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 18 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 The Church and Society Commission of CEC

Rev. Alfredo Abad Heras Ms Françoise Prager-Bouyala Mr Jean-Jacques Fritz Spanish Protestant Church Fédération Protestante de France European Parliament Rev. Dr. Zoltan Bona Dr Charles Reed Mr Mario Heinrich Reformed Church in Hungary Church of England Council of Europe Kirchenrat Joachim Brandt Fr Georges Ryabykh * (co-moderator) Dr Jean-Gustave Hentz Strasburg Beirat Russian Orthodox Church Lutheran Church Alsace-Lorraine Ms Anthea Cox * Rev. Dr David Sinclair LK’in Rev. Susanne Labsch Methodist Church in Great Britain Church of Scotland Church of Baden Vice-President Christian Drägert Rev. Hana Tonzarová Mr Halvor Lervik Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Czechoslovak Hussite Church Council of Europe Prof. Karsten Fledelius * Members of the Executive Committee Rev. Enno Strobel (moderator) Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Reformed Church Alsace-Lorraine Rev. Prof. Alexandru Gabriel Gherasim Strasbourg Beirat: Romanian Orthodox Church President Claudia Bandixen Staff: Rev. Gunnar Grönblom* Church of Aarau Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Rev. Joachim Brandt Rev. Rüdiger Noll OKR’in Rev. Antje Heider-Rottwilm * Church of Reinland Director, Brussels (co-moderator) President Jean-François Collange Rev. Richard Fischer Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland Lutheran Church Alsace-Lorraine Executive Secretary,Strasbourg Ms Anita Jakobsone * Dekan Rudolf Ehrmantraut Canon Alexander Gordon (until May) Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Latvia Church of Palatinate Associated staff,Anglican Chaplancy, Archimandrite Arsenios Kardamakis Strasbourg, France Ecumenical Patriarchate M. Mag. Katerina Karkala-Zorba * Church of Greece Prof. Dr Ulrich Körtner Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria Rev. Fr Hovakim Manukyan Vardges Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church Rev. Dr Lennart Molin Mission Covenant Church of Sweden/Christian Council Sweden Rev. Evert Overeem Protestant Church in the Netherlands Ms Lidia Palac Evangelisch-Augsburgische Kirche in Polen Rev. Tony Peck European Baptist Federation Prof. Dr Hans-Balz Peter Schweizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund (until November 2005) pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 19

Working Groups and working groups members

Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann Working Group on Bioethics David McClean Executive Secretary,Brussels (moderator) Kirsti Aalto Church of England Rev. Dr Dr Peter Pavlovic Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Study Secretary, Brussels Joanna Mizgala Svend Andersen Evangelical-Reformed Church Rev. Matthew Ross Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Executive Secretary,Brussels in Poland Stavros Baloyannis Gerhard Robbers Ms Donatella Rostagno Church of Greece Executive Secretary,Brussels Evangelical Church in Germany Donald Bruce Rüdiger Stotz OKR’in Sabine von Zanthier Church of Scotland Associated staff, EKD office Brussels Evangelical Church in Germany Andrea Dörries Sophie Van Bijsterveld Evangelical Church in Germany Protestant Church in the Netherlands Support staff: Anton Ilyin Russian Orthodox Church Working Group on Human Ms Véronique Dessart Rights and Religious Freedom Brussels Mireille Jemelin Swiss Protestant Federation Rev. Peter Ciaccio Ms Véronique Engels (from June) Brussels Karsten Lehmkühler Luth.& Ref.Churches Alsace-Lorraine World Student Christian Federation Ms Lois Hough-Stewart Kirill Frolov Brussels Elena Masarovicova Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession Russian Orthodox Church Ms Marie-Madeleine Linck (SK) Alexandru Gabriel Gherasim Strasbourg Anna Rollier Romanian Orthodox Church Ms Charlotte Vander Borght Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy Ebbe Holm Accountant, Brussels Egbert Schroten (co-moderator) (moderator) Baptist Church of Denmark Interns: Protestant Church in the Netherlands George Krippas Stefan-Ioan Stratul Orthodox Church of Greece Ms Philine Blum Romanian Orthodox Church Peter Krömer until July Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession Mr Faruk Drovs Working Group on EC Austria November-December legislation Anne Lagerstedt Mr Sebastian Lamotte Lisbet Christoffersen Ecumenical Forum of European Christian until July Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Denmark Women Ms Christina Maria Koch Altana Filos Tony Peck August-September Greek Evangelical Church European Baptist Federation Ms Stella Welburn Gunnar Grönblom Ingvill Thorson Plesner November Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland (co-moderator) Peter Kresak Church of Norway Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession Corinna Schellenberg (SK) Evangelical Church in Germany Gianni Long Dr Daniel Spratek Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy (from June) Maria Lundqvist-Norling Silesian Ev.Church of the Augsburg Church of Sweden Confession

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 19 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 20

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 20 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005

Working Group Working Group Major Göran Larsson on European Integration on Peace Salvation Army,Sweden Zoltan Bona and Security Mr Ian Manson Church of Scotland Reformed Church in Hungary Christine Busch Elfriede Dörr Evangelical Church in Germany Mr Ole Meldgaard Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession Paula Devejian Kofoeds Skole Romania Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church Mag. Martin Schenk Serge Fornerod Miklos Menessy Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession, Swiss Protestant Federation Ecumenical Association of Churches in Austria David Gill Romania Dr Stephanie Scholz Evangelical Church in Germany David Mumford Diakonisches Werk der EKD William Jourdan Church and Peace Rev. Dr David Sinclair Ecumenical Youth Anette Månsson Church of Scotland Council in Europe Church of Sweden Ms Margaretha Svensson-Paras Vakhtang Kipshidze Georgy Roshchin Church of Sweden Russian Orthodox Church Rusian Orthodox Church Jitka Krausová Prof. Christina Vayas Karl-Reinhart Trauner Church of Greece Ecumenical Council Ev. Church of the Augsburg Confession of Churches in Czech Republic Austria Task Force on Globalisation Lena Kumlin LL.M Donald Watts (co-moderator) Presbyterian Church in Ireland Mr Jean-Philippe Barde Evangelical-Lutheran John Edward Williams Fédération Protestante de France Church of Finland Methodist Church in Great Britain Dr Milos Calda Ignatios Sotiriadis Costas Zorbas Evangelical Lutheran Church of Czech Church of Greece Church of Greece Brethren Peter Southcombe Rev. Gabor Czagany United Reformed Church in UK Working Group on Social Hungarian Reformed Church George Tsetsis Issues (jointly with Mr John Ellis (co-moderator) Eurodiaconia) British Methodist Church Ecumenical Patriarchate Ms Rita Bruvers Fr Georges Ryabykh Andrzej Wojtowicz Ev.Lutheran Church of Latvia Russian Orthodox Church Ecumenical Council Rev. Jac Franken Rev. Serge Fornerod of Churches in Poland Kerkinactie Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches OKR Rev. Dr Jens Kreuter Rev. Eberhard Hitzler Evangelical Church in Germany Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland M. Mag. Katerina Karkala-Zorba Church of Greece Mr Erik Lysen Church of Sweden Dr Ulrich Möller Evangelical Church of Westphalia Dr Antonios Papantoniou Church of Greece pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 21

Our resources

he income and Expendi- of the Commission’s income stems from working areas were more cost intensive tures of the Church and member church contributions. This sup- than others, which were nevertheless of Society Commission in port of the Commission’s constituency is high importance. About 36% of the in- 2005 increased by about essential in order for the Commission to come was spent on management (in- T 20% compared with 2004. be able to fulfill the churches’ expecta- cluding meetings of the decision-making Besides some member churches increas- tions and the Commission’s mandate. The bodies), relations to member churches ing their contributions, this increase large- percentage share spent for administrative (visits to member churches as well as vis- ly results from additional human re- costs remains comparatively low. its of church delegations in Brussels and sources offered by member churches in Strasbourg, working materials etc) and the form of seconded staff in order for The chart dividing the costs accord- communication. The area of communi- the CSC to better respond to increasing ing to working areas gives an approxi- cation includes communications to mem- demands. The increase slightly changes mation, on which issues the income was ber churches as well as communications the overall balance of the accounts with- spent. It does, however, not necessarily with the European institutions and the out changing the principal conclusions indicate the priorities of the Commission’s broader public to make the churches’ of previous years: the overwhelming part work in 2005 in precise detail. Some voice heard.

Church & Society Commission Income Church & Society Commission Expenses 41% contributions member 13% meetings, conferences

1% other questo è il 5% government boards grafico vec- 16% earmarked contributions chio, presto il nuovo 7% rent

15% contribution CEC general budget 3% equipment, computer costs 12% staff paid by member churches 8% administration cost

4% travel costs 15% contributions churches on the Rhine

60% salaries & social charges

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 21 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 22

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 22 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 CEC Member Churches

Albania Estonia Greece Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Greek Evangelical Church Albania Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Church of Greece Abroad Armenia Hungary Estonian Methodist Church Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church Baptist Union of Hungary Finland Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Hungary Austria Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Evangelical-Methodist Church in Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Orthodox Church in Finland Hungary Confession in Austria Reformed Church in Hungary Evangelical Church of the Helvetic France Confession in Austria Church of the Augsburg Confession in Iceland Evangelical-Methodist Church in Austria Alsace and Lorraine Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland Old-Catholic Church in Austria Evangelical-Lutheran Church of France Ireland Federation of Evangelical-Baptist Belgium Churches of France Church of Ireland United Protestant Church in Belgium French Reformed Church Methodist Church in Ireland Presbyterian Church in Ireland Bulgaria Malagasy Protestant Church in France Baptist Union of Bulgaria Reformed Church of Alsace-Lorraine Italy Evangelical-Methodist Church in Bulgaria Georgia Baptist Union of Italy Pentecostal Assemblies of Bulgaria Union of Evangelical Christian-Baptists Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Italy of Georgia Evangelical-Methodist Church in Italy Croatia Waldensian Church Baptist Union of Croatia Germany Church of God in Croatia Catholic Diocese of the Old-Catholics in Latvia Evangelical Church in the Republic of Germany Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Latvia Croatia Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) Latvian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Evangelical Pentecostal Church in Croatia Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Abroad Reformed Christian Church in Croatia Germany (Baptists) United Methodist Church in Germany Liechtenstein Cyprus Evangelical Church in the Principality of Church of Cyprus Great Britain Liechtenstein Baptist Union of Great Britain Czech Republic Church in Wales Lithuania Baptist Union in the Czech Republic Church of England Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Czechoslovak Hussite Church Church of Scotland Lithuania Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren Congregational Federation of the United Lithuanian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Evangelical-Methodist Church in the Kingdom in Germany Czech Republic Council of African and Caribbean Luxembourg Moravian Church in the Czech Republic Churches Old-Catholic Church in the Czech Alliance of Protestant Churches of Lutheran Council of Great Britain Luxembourg Republic Methodist Church in Great Britain Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Presbyterian Church of Wales Netherlands Slovak Republic Salvation Army (UK Territory with the Mennonite Church in the Netherlands Silesian Evangelical Church of the Republic of Ireland) Old-Catholic Church of the Netherlands Augsburg Confession in the Czech Scottish Episcopal Church Protestant Church in the Netherlands Republic Shiloh United Church of Christ Apostolic Remonstrant Brotherhood Denmark Worldwide Norway United Reformed Church in the United Baptist Union of Denmark Church of Norway Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Denmark Kingdom pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 23

Poland Slovenia Conference of European University Baptist Union of Poland Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Chaplains Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Republic of Council of Churches in the Netherlands Confession in Poland Slovenia Ecumenical Association of Academies Evangelical-Reformed Church in Poland and Laity Centres in Europe Spain Old-Catholic Mariavite Church in Poland Ecumenical Association of Churches in Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church Spanish Evangelical Church Romania/AIDROM Polish Catholic Church (Old-Catholic) Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church Ecumenical Council of Churches in United Methodist Church in Poland Sweden Hungary Baptist Union of Sweden Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Portugal Slovak Republic Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church of Sweden Mission Covenant Church of Sweden Ecumenical Council of Finland Church Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Methodist Church of Portugal United Methodist Church of Sweden Annual Conference Women Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ecumenical Institute for the Nordic Portugal Switzerland Region Romania Federation of the Swiss Protestant Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Churches Estonian Council of Churches Confession in Romania Old-Catholic Church of Switzerland Eurodiaconia / European Federation for Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Romania United Methodist Church in Switzerland Diaconia Reformed Church in Romania European Alliance of YMCAs Ukraine European Baptist Federation (Kiralyhagomelléki District) Trans-Carpathian Reformed Church Reformed Church in Romania European Contact Group on Urban (Transylvanian District) International Areas Industrial Mission Romanian Orthodox Church Ecumenical Patriarchate of European Forum of Christian Men Constantinople European YWCA’s Russia European Continental Province of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy Euro-Asiatic Federation of the Unions of Moravian Church French Protestant Federation Evangelical Christian-Baptists Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Russia Gustav Adolf Foundation Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Ingria in and Other States Intereuropean Commission on Church Russia Salvation Army International and School Russian Orthodox Church Headquarters - Europe Zone International Association for Christian Education Serbia and Montenegro United Methodist Church - Nordic and Baltic Area International Prison Chaplains’ Evangelical-Methodist Church in Association/Europe Macedonia United Methodist Church - Central and Southern Europe Area Irish Council of Churches Evangelical-Methodist Church in Serbia Portuguese Council of Christian Churches and Montenegro CEC Associated members Protestant Working Group on Adult Reformed Christian Church in Serbia and Action of Churches Together in Scotland Education in Europe Montenegro Christian Council of Norway Society for Ecumenical Studies and Inter- Serbian Orthodox Church Christian Council of Sweden Orthodox Relations Slovak Evangelical Church of the Church and Peace Spanish Committee on Cooperation Augsburg Confession in Yugoslavia Church Mission Society between the Churches Slovak Republic Churches Commission for Migrants in Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Europe Germany Confession in Slovakia Churches Together in Britain and Ireland World Student Christian Federation Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Churches Together in England (Europe) Slovak Republic Churches Together in Wales (Cytûn) Reformed Christian Church in the Slovak Conference of European Pastors’ Republic Association

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 23 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 pag annual report 06 cec 23-04-2006 10:56 Pagina 24

Europe at a crossroads Churches taking up 24 new European challenges Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2005 Who we are

he Church and Society Its work programme as well as its work- How we work Commission is one of the ing mechanisms and methods are deter- • The Church and Society Commission commissions of the Confer- mined by a 24-person Commission in (CSC) monitors developments in the ence of European Churches agreement with CEC’s Central Commit- European Institutions and makes in- T (CEC). The CSC links CEC’s tee. The Commission Plenary meets once puts to the institutions on behalf of its 125 member churches from all over Eu- a year, and elects the CSC Executive Com- member churches rope and its associated organisations with mittee. In consultation with the General • CSC acts through its working groups

www.cec-kek.org www.cec-kek.org the European Union institutions, the Secretary of CEC it can make public state- which study church and society issues Council of Europe, the OSCE, NATO and ments on issues within its remit. The CSC and engages member churches in con- the UN (on European matters). It engages has secretariats in Brussels and Strasbourg sultations and projects on specific top- its member churches and associated or- and maintains strong links with the CEC ics ganisations in studies and projects rele- headquarters in Geneva. The Directorate • The CSC closely cooperates with oth- vant to church and society and thus sup- of the CSC is based in Brussels. er church-related organizations and ports and strengthens the common wit- NGOs such as CCME, Eurodiaconia, ness of European churches vis-à-vis the Mandate and Methods APRODEV and COMECE European Institutions and in the respec- Our mandate • The CSC bases its actions on its work tive European societies. • To foster g reater ecumenical dialogue, programme through flexible and ad The CSC was established in 1999 as a co-operation and fellowship between hoc working mechanisms and meth- result of an integration process between CEC member churches on Church and ods more information on http:// CEC and the European Ecumenical Com- Society issues www.cec-kek.org mission for Church and Society (EECCS), • To create a space for member chur- • In the implementation of its agenda, both of which had a long-standing record ches to meet and find ways to act to- regular communication between CSC of working in the field of church and so- gether for the common good in Eu- and its member churches and the In- ciety. CEC was founded in 1959 as a rope stitutions are of crucial importance bridge-building organisation between the • To encourage and sustain a Christian churches in Eastern and Western Europe. contribution to political, social and Long term working groups have been established for the following 1979 can be regarded as the founding economic life in Europe priority areas of the 2004-2009 work date for EECCS, which was established as • As a strong partner of the European programme: the Church and Society Section on the CEC’s website: and Society Sectionthe Church on the CEC’s on what we do – church and society do – church we on what a representation of churches vis-à-vis the institutions, to advocate and promote • European Integration European institutions. a Europe of solidarity, reconciliation • EU Legislation Click click Following this integration process, the and human dignity • Peace, Security and Reconciliation CSC received a special status within CEC. • Bioethics and Biotechnology • Human rights and Religious Freedom Acronyms • Social Issues (a joint Working Group with Eurodiaconia) AGAPE Alternative Globalisation Addressing People and Earth EEA3 Third European Ecumenical Assembly APRODEV Association of World Council of Churches related EECCS European Ecumenical Commission for Church and Development Organisations in Europe Society The CSC will also address the following themes with appropriate CCEE Council of European Bishops’ Conferences ENAR European Network Against Racism working mechanisms: CCME Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe ESDP European Security and Defence Policy CEC Conference of European Churches EURODIACONIA European Federation for Diaconia • Globalisation CERN Churches Environmental Rural Network LWF Lutheran World Federation • Sustainable Development CoE Council of Europe MEP Member of European Parliament • Environmental Issues COMECE Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the OSCE Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe • Agriculture and Rural Life European Community PACE Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe • Gender Equality CSC Church and Society Commission WARC World Alliance of Reformed Churches • Education DG Directorate General WCC World Council of Churches ECEN European Christian Environmental Network WG Working Group • Inter-religious Dialogue