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Home , Charta Oecumenica, Leonard Orban, Religion in Europe

On the basis of our Christian , we work towards a humane, socially conscious , in which human rights and the basic values of peace, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity prevail. in the Public Sphere (Charta Oecumenica)

1Introduction 2Foreword 4Religion in the public sphere 6Intercultural Dialogue 8Ageing and Euthanasia 10Human Rights and the Churches 12In brief 14The and Society Commission goes public 15CSC Main Events 2007 16The Church and Society Commission of CEC 18Working Groups and working group members 20Our resources 21Plenary 2007 22 CEC Member churches & Associated Organisations 24 Who we are

Annual report of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches On the basis of our Christian faith, we work towards a humane, socially conscious Europe, in which human rights and the basic values of peace, justice, freedom, tolerance, participation and solidarity prevail. Religion in the Public Sphere (Charta Oecumenica)

1Introduction 2Foreword 4Religion in the public sphere 6Intercultural Dialogue 8Ageing and Euthanasia 10Human Rights and the Churches 12In brief 14The Church and Society Commission goes public 15CSC Main Events 2007 16The Church and Society Commission of CEC 18Working Groups and working group members 20Our resources 21Plenary 2007 22 CEC Member churches & Associated Organisations 24 Who we are

Annual report of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches he year 2007 saw notable developments in Europe, both for the Church and for the political institutions. The year started with the accession of and to EU membership – both countries with a large Orthodox Christian majority. The T third European Ecumenical Assembly was held in Sibiu, Ro - mania, 4-9 September 2007. The Church and Society Commission of CEC was fully involved, especially in the Forums on Europe, Creation, Justice and Peace. The presence of EU Commission President Jose Manuel Bar - roso and Commissioners Jan Figel’ and Leonard Orban, as well as René van der Linden, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the , highlight the importance of ongoing relationships between Eu - rope’s churches and the political institutions; their contributions are dis - cussed in this Annual Report.

2008 has been designated the European Year of Intercultural Dia - logue; the churches’ contribution to intercultural dialogue in Europe is now a major issue for the CSC. The annual plenary meeting of the CSC was held in Holy Etchmiadzin, , in June 2007. This opportunity to meet in Armenia was a very valuable one, given that the connection be - tween religion, society and identity in Armenia is extremely close. OKRin Antje Heider-Rottwilm Fr Georges (Ryabykh) Co-moderators Following the rejec - tion of the European Constitutional Treaty, the signing of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2007 marks a new stage in Europe’s political cohesion. Article 16 c of the new Treaty provides for an “open, regular and transparent dialogue” between churches and the EU institutions; we look forward to continuing fruitful di - alogue. We very much hope that all Member States will ratify the Treaty in 2008.

Apart from the major events, the CSC has a considerable amount of ongoing work, particularly in monitoring the European political institu - tions. Some of the other events have included the annual gathering of Church and Society Secretaries from Europe’s churches (in Leuven, , in Oc - tober), a meeting in March of experts from CEC and the Russian Ortho - dox Church to discuss Human Rights issues and a meeting in January with the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, representing the German Presidency of the EU. Following Sibiu, we now look forward to the next CEC Assembly, which will be held in Lyon, , 15-21 July 2009. It will set the overall frame - work for the CSC’s work for the next six years. This Assembly will also mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of CEC in 1959, when Cold War divi - sions scarred Europe. Appropriately, the theme of this Assembly will be “Called to one hope in ”. With this thought, we wish to commend to you this Annual Report. Visit our website www.cec-kek.org

Religion in the Public Sphere 1Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 2 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007

“The has always been attentive to the engagement The other side is informing and sup - of the Christian churches, porting CEC member churches on Eu - and in particular ropean developments. To this effect, the now frequently published CSC “Up - to the Conference of European dates” complemented by Briefing Pa - Churches, which since pers on specific issues play an impor - tant role as the ever-increasing list of the beginning have subscribers shows. accompanied and encouraged the big adventure As on previous occasions, we want to thank CEC member churches for of the European construction” their ongoing commitment to the work José Manuel Barroso of CEC and its Church and Society Commission. There is an ongoing dia - logue, not only between the European recognised the role churches have institutions and the churches, but also played in the among the churches and between the process: “The European Commission churches and the Church and Society has always been attentive to the en - Commission. We want to express our gagement of the Christian churches, and gratitude to all who have contributed as in particular to the Conference of Eu - members of the Commission, its Exec - ropean Churches, which since the be - utive Committee, Working Groups, Task ginning have accompanied and en - Forces and Think Tanks, but also those couraged the big adventure of the Eu - who have shared their churches’ opinion ropean construction. (...) My participa - and involvement in European issues tion in this gathering, upon invitation with the CSC in order to make it an ef - Rev. Rüdiger Noll CSC Director and Associate General Secretary of CEC of the Conference of European Chur - fective instrument of European chur - eligion in the Public ’s creation is at risk, the churches and which commits the European ches and the Council of European Bish - ches in the public sphere and especial - Sphere” is the title of this must raise their “prophetic voice” and Union to an “open, transparent and reg - ops’ Conferences is part of a long ly vis-à-vis the European institutions. “ year’s Annual Report of contribute where policies are shaped ular dialogue” with churches, process of listening and mutual respect As the Charta Oecumenica says, as chur - the Church and Society and implemented. The newly appoint - and communities of conviction. The ba - between the [European] Commission ches we are committed “to seek agree - RCommission of CEC. It ed contact person for religions at the sis for the discussion at the Secretaries’ and the main religions in Europe.” ment with one another on the substance is a theme that has increasingly attract - EU’s Bureau of European Policy Advis - Meeting was laid by a draft study on the and goals of our social responsibility, ed public attention over the last couple of ers, Jorge César das Neves highlighted dialogue between the churches and the On several occasions in 2007, the and to represent in concert, as far as years. As the mandate of the CSC in - this in one of his early statements in his European Institutions since the then Church and Society Commission went possible, the concerns and visions of the cludes studying and examining church new post, when he said that religions President of the European Commission public and presented the common voice churches vis-à-vis the secular European and society related issues, monitoring cannot be limited to the private sphere. Jacques Delors asked the churches to of CEC member churches in public institutions.” the European Institutions and dealing They are a special entity in the public contribute to “giving a Soul to Europe”. statements, policy documents and con - in particular with issues related to the sphere, where they have a role to play. The study, conducted by Laurens tributions to consultation processes of Finally, a special word of thanks , it does not come as a Hogebrink, will be published in 2008. the European institutions. This Annu - should be expressed to the Swiss Prote - surprise that the Church and Society Several CSC meetings in the course al Report presents some of the key ar - stant Federation and its member chur - Commission monitors this public debate of 2007/2008 discussed the role of reli - One of the most representative eas. More and detailed information can ches for seconding Ms Carla Maurer as very carefully and contributes to it. gion in the public sphere, for instance, and public events of churches in the be found on CEC’s website: www.cec- a new Executive Secretary to the Church the meeting of the Church and Society course of 2007, which contributed to kek.org. and Society Commission. As the first Where the life in all its fullness for Secretaries of European Churches. The the debate, was the Third European Bringing the common voice of Eu - months following her appointment al - an ever-growing number of people in - meeting included a discussion with of - Ecumenical Assembly held in Sibiu (Ro - ropean churches into the public debate ready show, her work strengthens the side and outside Europe is at stake, ficials from the European Commission, mania), 4-9 September. In his key-note and to the attention of the European in - role and the visibility of the CSC, espe - where the human dignity of people is on the implementation of what now has address, the President of the European stitutions is just but one side of the work cially vis-à-vis the European institutions neglected and where the integrity of become article 16c of the Lisbon Treaty Commission, José Manuel Barroso of the Church and Society Commission. in .

Religion in the Public Sphere 3 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 4 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the public sphere

he role of religion in pub - lic and political life. Attempts to ban re - Figel’, EU Commissioner for Education, Barroso emphasize the ongoing dialogue viction and commits the European In - contacts on the working level, is there lic life is at present an is - ligious symbols from public life are just Training, Culture and Youth emphasized between religion and , between stitutions to an “open, transparent and a need for more structured instruments “ sue of an extensive de - one indicator for this development. in his speech at the Third European the European Commission and the regular dialogue” with them is one result and mechanisms? To launch the debate bate,” José Manuel Bar - Ecumenical Assembly. The churches’ churches on the occasion of the EEA3 of the fruitful dialogue. on these and related issues, the CSC T roso, President of the Eu - On the other hand, according to the support for the poor, marginalised and in Sibiu. “The European Commission commissioned a study on relations be - ropean Commission, told the partici - latest European Value Study from vulnerable in societies, as service always maintained a fruitful dialogue One of the main questions for the tween the churches and the European pants of the Third European Ecumeni - 1999/2000, religion remains an impor - providers in the health, social and ed - with all churches. … If we assume that months to come is how to implement Institutions. The study by Laurens cal Assembly in an over-crowded As - tant factor in peoples’ lives, including ucational sectors as well as the churches politics is inseparably linked with ethics, the “open, transparent and regular di - Hogebrink will be published in 2008. sembly tent in Sibiu, Romania. There in public. “ cannot be dis - as contributors to the European inte - it is necessary to listen with interest to alogue” between the churches and the But draft versions have already served can be no doubt that religion and reli - connected from European history; it gration process and advocates for a just, the message of the religions within an European institutions, in order for the as a useful background for discussions gious issues hit the headlines of Europe’s forms a substantial part of our cultur - participatory and sustainable world are institutional framework which pays at - dialogue to be a dialogue for change and in the CSC as well as between the CSC newspapers and magazines in recent al heritage and identity. … Christiani - just but some examples to underline the tention to all sectors in society.” not just a window-dressing exercise. Be - and the European Commission. years more often than before. ty, which became [the] major religion important role of religions and chur - sides the high-level meetings between But the headlines were not always in European history, is together with ches in the public sphere. Article 16c of the Lisbon Treaty religious leaders and the Institutions’ Equally, the Council of Europe be - positive. The terrorist attacks of 11 Sep - other religious and humanist traditions adopted in 2007, which recognises the Presidents and the thematic dialogue gan to recognize the public role of reli - tember 2001, of Madrid and London as also today a source of many values It is this positive role of churches “identity” and the “special contribution” seminars, besides meetings between the gion in fostering inter-cultural dialogue. well as the atrocities following the car - which Europeans embrace as theirs”, Ján and religions which made President of the communities of faith and con - EU Presidencies and the churches and Its White Paper on Intercultural Dia - icatures published in Danish newspa - logue, to be published in 2008, will con - pers made the media emphasize fun - tain a chapter on religions. For the damentalist forms of religion. Conse - Council of Europe it is evident that all quently, religions were often portrayed dialogue partners must adhere to the as non-tolerant, accelerating conflict and fundamental values of the Council: an obstacle to integration in modern so - democracy, human rights and the rule cieties. From such stances, at times de - of law. mands were made for religion to be confined to the private sphere with no, “The role of religion in the public or as little as possible, influence in pub - sphere” is one of the main themes for the Church and Society Commission in the years 2007/2008. Following the dis - Article 16c of Lisbon Treaty cussions at the Third European Ecu - adopted in 2007, which menical Assembly in Sibiu and based recognises the “identity” on the European Value Study as well as experiences in the different European and the “special contribution” countries, the Church and Society Sec - of the communities of faith retaries of European churches began the debate at their annual meeting in 2007. and conviction and commits The debate on the sociological and the - the European Institutions ological aspects will continue and it will be followed-up in 2008 by a CSC con - to an “open, transparent sultation for church lawyers on the le - and regular dialogue” gal aspects of religion in the public with them, is one result sphere and church-state relations. of the fruitful dialogue.

Religion in the Public Sphere 5 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 6 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Intercultural Dialogue

he year 2007 saw intercul - The results of the joint CSC and tural dialogue (ICD) become CCME internal consultation a highly topical expression process – close to 70 responses – in European debates. T Whereas the Council of indicated how seriously Europe held a wide consultation intercultural dialogue to explore the different facets and concrete examples of is taken within such dialogue, the EU de - their constituencies cided to make it a festive theme for 2008. The CSC, together with CCME, took part in the Council of Europe process institu - towards a White Paper on tions recog - ICD. The results of their joint in - nises the religious ternal consultation process – close to dimension of intercul - 70 responses – indicated how seriously tural dialogue, in practice, the intercultural dialogue is taken within openness and care institutions have little capabilities the constituencies. The activities include, for the other. Inter - to include this element in their work. inter alia, work with migrants and mi - cultural dialogue One As part of its contribution for the year, norities, reconciliation projects between serves to overcome of the most CSC together with COMECE and Kon - the East and the West, projects to stereotypes and this, as important achieve - rad Adenauer Stiftung and with Mus - The reports of ”, strengthen the role of women and train - the Slovenian EU Presiden - ments of the ecumenical move - lim partners will organise a series of Christianity and Europe” seminars will be available ing of intercultural competencies. cy programme maintains, is vi - ment is the Charta Oecumenica . This seminars under the overall theme of “Is - on the CEC website. The CSC Plenary Meeting held in tal for areas such as migration and the document – signed by the Council of lam, Christianity and Europe”. Armenia addressed the issue of inter - fight against organised crime and ter - rights, etc) of intercultural dialogue, re - European ’ Conferences (CCEE) cultural dialogue. Mr Ulrich Bunjes, co - rorism. as a form of inter - ligious communities have a special re - and by the Conference of European ordinator of the Council of Europe’s Of - cultural dialogue tempers fundamen - sponsibility regarding inter-religious di - Churches in April 2001 – provides fice for Intercultural Dialogue, joined talism. However, beyond its merit in ad - alogue. Religion is more than a mere el - guidelines for cooperation among the the meeting and delivered a speech re - dressing problems, intercultural dia - ement of culture. churches in Europe. sponding to the CSC-CCME contribu - logue is important in itself. Religion contributes to people’s faith, The churches declare that tion. (The CSC-CCME response to the Dialogue is about exploring com - values and identity and addresses exis - “they must strive to overcome CoE White Paper consultation, mem - monalities and differences. Dialogue tential questions of life. Inter-religious the divisions still existing” bers’ individual contribution as well as may change the perception of the oth - dialogue can address elements that are among them. But they also the speech of Mr Bunjes are available er but also one’s self-perception. The not described by the discourse of cul - commit themselves to intensify - on the CEC website.) fundamental factors, which enable good tural sociology such as ‘transcendence’, ing dialogue with Jews and . dialogue, are openness towards the oth - ‘the divine’ or ‘sanctity’. Religion shapes The European Year of Intercultural For churches, the commitment to er, willingness to listen, to exchange culture. Influences by faith and religious Dialogue 2008 provides a good frame - foster intercultural dialogue arises from ideas and to learn from the other. life are visible in , , architec - work to foster intercultural and inter- Christian anthropology and the church’s While valuing all aspects (non-for - ture and . Similarly, culture religious dialogue at the European lev - pastoral mission, which emphasises mal education, gender equality, human influences religion. el. Even if the current leadership of EU

Religion in the Public Sphere 7 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 8 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Ageing and Euthanasia

as the young need the old. Above all, There is a strong need n the context of the 2007 European we underline the strength and wisdom to rediscover the interdependence Year for Equal Opportunities for All, given to elderly by their faith, as an en - which aimed to make people in the couragement to younger people to face between generations European Union more aware of their the challenges of life, until the end when and to reinforce their links Irights to equal treatment and to a life time comes to learn to give up in grate - free of discrimination, the CSC adopted fulness, peace and hope.” in many ways. a Position Paper on Ageing and Care for Elderly people need the younger the Elderly, prepared by its Working The same Working Group is final - Group on Bioethics and Biotechnology. ising a Position Paper on Euthanasia as the young need the old The topic is also high on the agenda of and End of Life, in which it develops its the Council of Europe (CoE), which con - 2004 contribution to the debate in the tinues to strive for more social cohesion Parliamentary Assembly of the CoE. and to consolidate the ethical and hu - This memorandum summarised vari - man rights perspective on all aspects of ous opinions about euthanasia drawn life throughout the whole continent. from documents from several CEC member churches from the Orthodox The proportion of people over 65 and Protestant traditions. years old is growing in Europe. A gen - This more expanded Paper will give eration ago, it was less than 3%. By some definitions (euthanasia, assisted 2030, it could be 20%. Such changes suicide, palliative care and terminal se - bring new questions such as “How dation) to clarify a sometimes confusing should we view old age? What is the sta - debate. It proposes some theological tus of the elderly in our societies? How considerations on concepts such as: life do we care for their needs?” as a gift from God, the fifth command - The Paper touches upon a range of ment, human dignity, human autono - aspects but focuses on an ethical per - my, compassion, pastoral care and res - spective grounded in biblical reflections urrection. and Christian traditions. In its conclu - sion, it states “we are critical of con - The Paper should conclude that temporary trends to value people pri - there is no need for legislation on eu - marily for their youth, attractiveness, thanasia. Killing a patient should re - health, economic productivity and in - main punishable. Terminal sedation dependence. These trends lead to con - may shorten life, but should not be seen cerns expressed by the term ‘ageism’. We as euthanasia or killing, because the aim think that all people and our societal is not to put an end to a patient’s life but institutions should work to oppose those to relieve unbearable suffering. How - trends, and to be active in asserting that ever, because there may exist a grey every phase of life has its own value. zone between euthanasia and terminal There is a strong need to rediscover the sedation, it would be wise for the med - interdependence between generations ical occupations to clarify when termi - and to reinforce their links in many nal sedation could be seen as good ways. Elderly people need the younger medical practice.

Religion in the Public Sphere 9 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 10 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Human Rights and the Churches

he promotion and imple - The Lisbon Treaty the result of the present debate on hu - mentation of human rights (Article 6 of the Treaty man rights within the Russian Ortho - is a top priority for all Euro - dox Church and among European chur - pean institutions/organisa- on European Union) ches will be to strengthen the church - T tions to which the Church refers to the rights and freedoms es’ commitment to human rights as laid and Society Commission relates. down, for instance, in the UN Bill of The Council of Europe, the legally- contained in the EU Charter Human Rights, the European Conven - binding Convention for the Protection of Fundamental Rights, tion on Human Rights...” The full com - of Human Rights and Fundamental muniqué and press release can be found Freedoms (European Convention on which was signed on CEC’s website: www.cec-kek.org. Human Rights, EHRC) as well as the and proclaimed Strasbourg-based European Court of in the year 2000, Following the meeting in Moscow, Human Rights as a law enforcement the CSC engaged in an overall study on mechanism remain indispensable ref - as legally binding the approach and initiatives of CEC erence points for any human rights member churches in the field of hu - work in Europe. In 2007, the CSC was man rights. The results will feed into a invited to participate as an observer in human rights manual for churches, two working groups of the Council of which is under preparation. The man - Europe’s Steering Committee on Human ual is to respond to the new challenges Rights. These dealt with human rights churches face in strengthening and pro - in a multi-cultural society and with hu - moting human rights. It will also offer man rights in the armed forces. resources for human rights education and programmes. Of high importance are also the po - The work of the CSC in the field of litically-binding human rights’ stan - human rights is carried out in dialogue dards which were established in the binding. Article 6 also stipulates that The Church and Society Commis - back to 1988. As churches believe that and the moral teachings of churches re - with the European institutions as well framework of the Organisation for Se - the “Union shall accede to the European sion, which supported the development every person is created in the image of late to each other. as in close cooperation with ecumeni - curity and Cooperation in Europe Convention on Human Rights and Fun - of an EU Charter on Fundamental God, no human being can be deprived cal partners and human rights organi - (OSCE). The CSC participates especially damental Freedoms.” Rights, welcomes its inclusion in the Lis - of his/her human dignity. Churches, These are questions also posed by sations. In order to intensify the coop - in the OSCE/ODIHR Advisory Panel In March 2007 the European Union Treaty as well as the establishment of therefore, promote policies and stan - the , which is eration with other NGOs, the CSC has and Council on also established its Agency for Funda - the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. First dards which respect and advance every in the process of adopting a statement of joined the Brussels-based Human and . mental Rights, based in Vienna. The contacts with the Agency have been es - person’s God-given dignity. principles on human rights. The CSC Rights and Democracy Network and re - For 2007, new developments in the Agency will not examine individual cas - tablished and will hopefully lead to a It seems, however, that the process engaged in a dialogue with the Russian lates to other NGOs in participatory sta - field of human rights have to be re - es of human rights violations, nor will fruitful dialogue in the future. of globalisation has fostered a new de - Orthodox Church, which resulted in a tus with the Council of Europe. ported especially with regard to the Eu - it exercise regulatory decision-making The promotion and implementation bate on the universality of human rights meeting in Moscow in March 2007 be - In view of these recent develop - ropean Union. The Lisbon Treaty (Ar - powers. But it will be an important in - of human rights have been a priority and the relationship between human tween human rights experts of CEC ments in the field, the CSC is happy to ticle 6 of the Treaty on European Union) strument to relate to as the Agency will for the Conference of European Chur - rights and specific traditions. This new member churches and representatives have been able to fill the rather long refers to the rights and freedoms con - collect and analyse data, carry out and ches and the overwhelming majority of debate also involves faith-based com - of the Russian Orthodox Church who vacancy at its human rights desk and tained in the EU Charter on Funda - promote research, formulate conclusions its member churches since a long time. munities and churches. The question are involved in the drafting process. As welcomes Ms Elizabeta Kitanovic as mental Rights, which was signed and and opinions on specific topics and pro - The establishment of a desk for Justice, brought forward by some churches is the final communiqué of that encounter the newly appointed Human Rights proclaimed in the year 2000 as legally mote dialogue with civil society. Peace and Human Rights in CEC dates how do human rights, Christian values states: “The two delegations agreed that Secretary.

Religion in the Public Sphere 11 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 12 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007

identity, the role of religion has part of the formulation, a sig - a particular significance. Out nificant indication of the di - of it stems also confidence un - rection in which the social en - derlining the role and presence gagement of the churches, also of Christian faith and churches including dialogue between in European society. Commis - the churches and politics, may In Brief sioner Figel’ stressed that the find its vital expression in the “strength of in his - post-Assembly period. tory was actually never in their CSC at the German Evan - the President of the European The Third European Ecu - at the Assembly, as well as by numbers but in their inspira - The CSC Update. The new gelical Kirchentag. Europe Parliament, Dr. Hans-Gert Pöt - menical Assembly in Sibiu the presence of prominent re - tion and commitment.” monthly CSC Update on Euro - was one of the major issues at tering, discussed with the Pres - - a contribution to presentatives of the European His inspiration and commit - pean Affairs (abbreviated as the “Deutscher Evangelischer ident of the Federation of the dialogue between chur - political institutions. ment was manifested in sever - Europe Updates) provides a EU-Commissioner GünterVerheugen Kirchentag“ in June 2007 in Swiss Protestant Churches, ches and politics. In recent The President of the Euro - al places at the Assembly. The channel to inform CEC mem - and Reiner Hoffmann, Cologne, which gathered up to Rev. Thomas Wipf about va - years, the continuing process pean Commission José Manuel Assembly’s call for a proper bers on European Deputy General Secretary of ETUC, one million people to discuss lues and identity in Europe. of European integration has Barroso and the President of role of churches and religious must listen carefully to the action of Christians in Europe developments and the related admire the European burning issues in European President Horst Köhler of Ger - experienced great successes in the Council of Europe Parlia - organisations in society.” message of the religions.” in addressing a need for Care CSC activities and, at the same Angel at the 31 st German Protestant churches and societies. The many met with Suvarna Gand - overcoming divisions and im - mentary Assembly René van Churches and confessional Jan Figel’, the EU Commis - for Creation is one of the con - time, seeks to engage members Kirchentag in Cologne CSC was heavily involved in ham from Oikocredit to devel - proving the lives of people der Linden both stressed in communities can contribute, sioner responsible for educa - crete outcomes of the gather - in them. Churches are encour - op elements for an alternative throughout the continent. The their contributions to the As - and are indeed contributing, to tion and culture, in his presen - ing. The words of the final aged to use the Europe globalisation. On three “mar - European Ecumenical Assem - sembly the “vital and vibrant a better understanding tation at the Assembly’s Forum message, “Concerned about Updates to pass information ket squares” European chur - bly was a natural place for a role” played by religion and amongst peoples by promoting on Europe turned his attention God’s creation, we pray for a about their own Europe-relat - ches and church-related organ - broad discussion on the theme religious organisations in soci - mutual respect in a framework to concrete areas in which dia - greater sensitivity and respect ed initiatives (statements, con - isations presented their activi - of Europe and the role of ety. René van der Linden of shared fundamental values. logue between religions and for its wonderful diversity. We ferences, etc) and to share ties on the way to the third Eu - Christians in shaping the con - added that “through their pro - Elaborating on this statement politics can bring positive out - work against its shameless ex - their best practices. To ropean Ecumenical Assembly tinent. found respect for individual the President of the European comes for society in the whole ploitation, from which the subscribe, please contact in Sibiu. The activities in the The importance of dialogue human dignity, they [religions] Commission confessed, “If one continent. Europe is increas - ‘whole creation awaits its re - [email protected] . Europe Up - “Europe” Hall ended with a between religions and politics are indispensable to advancing considers that politics is insep - ingly multicultural and there - demption’ (Rom 8:22) and dates are also available on the the preparation of a “Europe” huge birthday party celebrat - in the European construction peace and justice in the arable from ethics, …an insti - fore the question of identity is commit ourselves to working CEC website at: Hall. It provided a platform, ing the 50th anniversary of the was underlined by the extent world... politicians must recog - tutional framework attentive to of rising relevance. In for reconciliation between hu - http://www.cec-kek.org / con - where, amongst many others, European Union. and scope of many discussions nise this and strengthen the all the components in society discussing various aspects of manity and nature,” are one tent/EuropeUpdates.shtml

Co-operation in the Ecumenical Christian Education New contact person Centre Brussels - APRODEV & Intercultural Dialogue in the European Commission

APRODEV is an association of can think of the trade, agri - and the ACP countries in The Intereuropean Commission on Church and group of the CoE in In October 2007, Jorge Policy Adviser Unit, where he 17 ecumenical development cultural and fisheries policies. Africa, the and the School (ICCS) and the International Association the project: “The new César das Neves (picture) served as expert on crisis and humanitarian aid organi - Sometimes, the left hand of Pacific. Everybody knows that for Christian Education (IV) have taken initia - challenge of intercul - joined the Bureau of management in Africa. sations in Europe. The main development assistance does more and freer trade does not tives in 2007 as associated members of CEC. tural education: reli - European Policy Advisers as Just a few days after taking up his task of APRODEV is to do ad - not know what the right hand automatically lead to less Some of these activities are made instead of gious diversity and a new contact person for duties, Jorge César das Neves, to - vocacy vis-à-vis the European of other policies is doing. The poverty. having a permanent working group of CSC on dialogue in Europe.” religions, churches and gether with Pedro Cymbron from Union institutions with regard export of frozen chicken parts Therefore, APRODEV advocat - education. ICCS and IV were present at the An international teacher seminar was organ - communities of conviction. the Cabinet of President Barroso, to development-related poli - to countries in is ed for the introduction of de - Third European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu ised by IV to discuss the contribution of Prote - He succeeds Ambassador met with the Church and Society cies. The European Union and a case in point. velopment benchmarks in the and contributed with a joint statement about stant teachers for school development in Eu - Michael Weninger, who has Secretaries of CEC member chur - its Member States are among The best parts of the chicken trade negotiations. Churches and Education that has been distrib - rope. In November 2007 the NETWORK returned to serve in the ches in order to discuss with them the major donors of develop - are kept in Europe while the In these efforts, APRODEV was uted to delegates and guests. CHRISTIAN TEACHER TRAINING was Austrian Foreign Ministry. the draft study by Laurens ment assistance leftovers are deep frozen and supported by the CEC which Both organisations have contributed with a established (see Klingenthal-Memorandum: Jorge César das Neves is a Hogebrink on the relations between and humanitarian exported at dumping prices adopted a resolution on this common statement to the consultation www.Int-V.com ). diplomat from , who the churches and the European in - aid. It is important to West Africa, destroying the topic at their Central Com - process on the preparation of the “White Pa - Also IV contributed with a statement to the served his country in its stitutions. In line with article 16c of that both the quali - livelihoods of farmers in that mittee meeting. The General per on intercultural dialogue” of the Council of consultation process of the EU on “School in embassies in Algiers, New the Lisbon Reform Treaty he recog - ty and the quantity part of the world, who cannot Secretary of CEC also co- Europe ( www.Int-V.com ). the 21st Century“ with emphasis on three Delhi and Ankara as well as in its nised the identity and special contribution of of this aid meet the compete with these low- signed – together with his The collaboration with DG IV of the Council of main issues: Permanent Representation to the the churches. highest possible priced imports. In addition, the counterparts of the AACC and Europe led to involve - • School as a place of living and learning for European Union. Jorge César das Neves emphasizes his role standards and are oriented to - products present a health the Roman COMECE ment in the 114th Eu - children and youngsters. Before taking up his new post as Adviser as a diplomat: “I serve as communication wards meeting the Millenni - hazard because they cannot and CECAM – an appeal to ropean Workshop in • School as a place of learning of human be - for Dialogue with religions, churches and channel on all relevant EU policy matters be - um Development Goals. be kept deep frozen after they the negotiators to make the Donaueschingen in No - ings with different cultural heritage and tra - communities of conviction, as it is tween the religious communities, churches It is also important that Euro - leave the warehouses at the trade deals an instrument for vember 2006 on Reli - ditions. officially called, he worked in the EU and communities of conviction, on the one pean Union policies in other ports of entry. poverty reduction. gious Diversity and In - • School as a place of living together of hu - Council Secretariat as a member of High hand, and the European Commission on the areas are coherent with the In 2007, one of APRODEV’s On issues such as these ecu - tercultural Education. man beings with different religious imprint Representative Javier Solana’s Foreign other”, he said. overall objective of combat - main foci was on the trade menical co-operation is a ICCS has also been in - and roots. ing poverty. In this context, we negotiations between the EU great asset. volved in the expert Eckhart Marggraf (IV) / Peter Schreiner (ICCS)

Religion in the Public Sphere 13 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 14 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 The Church and Society CSC Main Events 2007 Commission goes public

January 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaty EU: CSC-Eurodiaconia Statement on the January May September CSC-Eurodiaconia response to Proud of its achievements – big hopes Social Dimension of the EU Meeting with the German EU Presidency, Konferenz der Kirchen am Rhein, Third European Ecumenical Assembly Consultation on Health Services for the future (press release). Constitutional Treaty Minister Steinmeier (Berlin) meeting of Bishops and Heads of (Sibiu, Romania) The European Union needs common CSC-Eurodiaconia Response to the Meeting with the Armenian Churches (Strasbourg) Meeting with the Council of the April Questionnaire on 2010 European Year values (press release). Briefing paper on services directive Representation at the Council of CPCE/CEC Symposium on European Community of Protestant Churches in of Combating Poverty and Social Europe (Strasbourg) Integration in South- Europe (Brussels) February Churches are concerned about high level Exclusion (Vienna) CSC-Eurodiaconia statement on of unemployment in the EU. CSC- CSC Report on the Constitutional Debate February October CCME-ECG contribution. CSC/CCME Task force meeting on protection of specificities of health Statement: Church and Society Visit of the Synod Councils of Baden and intercultural dialogue (Brussels) China-Europe Forum (Brussels) services. Württemberg (Brussels) May Commission of CEC concerned about High-Level Religious Leaders Meeting Annual Meeting of Church and Society Secretaries (Leuven, Belgium) March Briefing Paper on open, transparent and escalation of violence in Middle East. March with EU Presidents (Barroso, Pöttering, regular dialogue CSC-CCME-ECG contribution to Green Ensuring social rights is essential for the Follow-up Conference on Values – Merkel) (Brussels) November Paper on labour law EU’s future: Churches and Diaconal Religion - Identity (London) June June Finnish-Swedish High Level Meeting CSC Report on the Constitutional Debate organisations urge the EU Member Human Rights experts meeting (Moscow) (Brussels) Letter to the EU Presidency on the states to maintain the social dimension Europahalle, Deutscher Evangelischer European churches and diaconal Constitutional Treaty of the Constitutional Treaty. Kirchentag (Köln) Visit of ’s Europe Panel organisations propose a “Plan D” to CSC/CCME Response to CoE White Paper CSC Plenary Meeting at the Mother See of (Brussels) combat poverty and social exclusion. Intercultural Dialogue and the role of Consultation on intercultural dialogue : Church and Society Holy Etchmiadzin (Armenia) Churches stay committed to Human Ageing and Care for the Elderly Commission met in Armenia. Conference of the Protestant Academy Rights (Final Communiqué on HR Bad-Boll (Brussels) Experts meeting in Moscow). July CSC Report on the Treaty Reform August CSC Briefing Paper on Flexicurity November CSC Report on Treaty Reform CSC Briefing on Climate Change CSC Briefing on Council of Europe “White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue” CSC Briefing on Intercultural Dialogue within the European Union December CSC briefing paper on services in the internal market Position Paper on Ageing and Care for the Elderly

Religion in the Public Sphere 15 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 16 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 The Church and Society Commission of CEC

Welcome to Elizabeta Kitanovic and Carla Maurer Two Executive Secretaries joined the CSC staff in October 2007. Ms Elizabeta Kitanovic took over the responsibilities from Donatella Rostagno, who left the CSC in December 2006, in the field of human rights and communication. Both of her working areas include huge tasks, especially after a much too long staff vacancy. Ms Carla Maurer is seconded to the Church and Society Commission by the Swiss Prote - stant Federation to a newly-established post. As a colleague The Commission t Prof. Dr Ulrich Körtner Strasbourg Beirat t Staff t Ms Carla Maurer (as of October) to Richard Fischer in the Strasbourg office, Evangelical Church HC in Executive Secretary, Strasbourg she will focus on issues related Rev. Alfredo Abad Heras Rev. Fr Hovakim Manukyan Vardges President Claudia Bandixen Rev. Rüdiger Noll Rev. John Murray to intercultural dialogue, gender Spanish Evangelical Church Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church Reformed Church of Aargau Director, Brussels Associated Staff, Anglican Chaplaincy, issues and the sub-regional co - Rev. Dr Zoltan Bona Kirchenrat Joachim Brandt Ms Véronique Dessart Strasbourg, France operation of the churches with re - Rev. Dr Lennart Molin gard to the European institutions. Reformed Church in Mission Covenant Church of Strasbourg Beirat Support Staff, Brussels Rev. Dr Peter Pavlovic Kirchenrat Joachim Brandt /Christian Council of Sweden President Jean-François Collange Ms Elina Eloranta Study Secretary, Brussels Elizabeta is member of the Serbian Strasbourg Beirat Rev. Evert Overeem Church of the Augsburg Confession in Executive Secretary, Brussels Rev. Matthew Ross Orthodox Church. She graduated Ms Anthea Cox* Protestant Church in the Alsace and Lorraine Ms Véronique Engels Executive Secretary, Brussels from the theological faculty of the British Methodist Church Dean Rudolf Ehrmantraut Support Staff, Brussels and the Ms Lidia Palac Vikar Martin Schuster Diplomatic Academy of the Serbian Prof. Karsten Fledelius Evangelical Church AC in Church of Palatinate Rev. Richard Fischer Intern, Brussels Foreign Ministry. Before joining the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Rev. Tony Peck Rev. Serge Fornerod Executive Secretary, Strasbourg Ms Charlotte Vander Borght CSC staff, she worked for the Exter - European Baptist Federation Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches Ms Andrea Häuser Accountant, Brussels nal Relations Department of the Ser - Rev. Serge Fornerod Mr Jean-Jacques Fritz Intern, Strasbourg bian Orthodox Church and the Ser - Ms Françoise Prager-Bouyala OKR’in Sabine von Zanthier bian Ministry for Religious Affairs as PR and Advisor for In - Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches French Protestant Federation Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann Associated Staff, EKD Office Brussels ter-religious affairs. She was nominated to her new position Rev. Prof. Alexandru Gabriel Dr Charles Reed Mr Mario Heinrich Executive Secretary, Brussels from among a wide range of applicants by the Central Com - Gherasim Church of England Council of Europe Ms Elizabeta Kitanovic (as of October) mittee of CEC upon the recommen - dation of a nomination committee. Fr Georges ( Ryabykh)* Dr J.-G. Hentz Executive Secretary, Brussels Rev. Gunnar Grönblom* Church of the Augsburg Confession in (co-moderator) Ms Lois Hough-Stewart Carla also studied (in Berne Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Russian Orthodox Church Alsace and Lorraine Support Staff, Brussels and Heidelberg) and brings to her Rev. OKR’in Antje Heider-Rottwilm* Rev. Dr David Sinclair Rev. KR’in Susanne Labsch Ms Marie-Madeleine Linck new position the experience of (co-moderator) Church of Church of Baden Support Staff, Strasbourg working as a TV journalist. During Evangelical Church in Mr Halvor Lervik her studies and during her politi - Rev. Hana Tonzarova cal work in , Carla was Ms Anita Henslin* Czechoslovak Hussite Church Council of Europe already committed to bringing Evangelical-Lutheran Church of LKR Hermann Wischmann Rev. Enno Strobel churches in dialogue with politics Archimandrite Arsenios Kardamakis Evangelical Church in Germany (moderator) and the economy. Carla will Ecumenical Patriarchate Reformed Church of Alsace-Lorraine strengthen the Strasbourg CSC team in monitoring the Council * Members of the Executive Committee M. Mag. Katerina Karkala-Zorba* of Europe and the European Parliament. Besides working for Church of the CSC, Carla will keep in close touch with the Swiss Prote - stant Federation and its member churches in order to sup - port them in addressing European issues.

Religion in the Public Sphere 17 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 18 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Working Groups and working group members

Working Group on Bioethics Prof. Gianni Long Rev. Dr Donald Watts (moderator) and Biotechnology Federation of Protestant Churches in Presbyterian Church in Rev. Kirsti Aalto Dr Kostas Zorbas Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Ms Maria Lundqvist-Norling Prof. Svend Andersen Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Prof. David McClean (moderator) CSC-Eurodiaconia Joint Denmark Church of England Working Group on Social Prof. Stavros Baloyannis Dr Joanna Mizgala Issues Church of Greece Evangelical-Reformed Church in Poland Ms Rita Bruvers Dr Donald Bruce Prof. Dr Gerhard Robbers Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Latvia until mid-2007 Evangelical Church in Germany Rev. OKR’in Cornelia Coenen-Marx Dr Andrea Dörries Prof. Dr Rüdiger Stotz Evangelical Church in Germany Evangelical Church in Germany Evangelical Church in Germany Rev. Jac Franken Rev. Anton Ilin Kerkinactie, the Netherlands Russian Orthodox Church Working Group on Human Ms Laura Jones Dr Mireille Jemelin Rights and Religious Freedom Eurodiaconia Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches Rev. Peter Ciaccio Major Göran Larsson Prof. Karsten Lehmkühler World Student Christian Federation Salvation Army, Europe Zone Church of the Augsburg Confession in Mr Kirill Frolov Mr Ole Meldgaard Alsace and Lorraine Russian Orthodox Church Kofoeds Skole, Denmark Prof. Dr Elena Masarovicova Rev. Prof. Alexandru Gabriel Mag. Martin Schenk Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Gherasim Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Slovak Republic Romanian Orthodox Church Confession in Austria Prof. Anna Rollier Mr Ebbe Holm (co-moderator) Dr Stephanie Scholz Federation of Protestant Churches in Baptist Union of Denmark Diakonisches Werk der EKD, Germany Italy Prof. George Krippas Rev. Dr David Sinclair Prof. Egbert Schroten (moderator) Church of Greece Church of Scotland Protestant Church in the Netherlands Dr Peter Krömer Prof. Christina Vayas Dr Stefan-Ioan Stratul Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Working Group on European Ms Zuzana Dvorakova Working Group on Peace, Church of Greece Romanian Orthodox Church Confession in Austria Integration (from May 2007) Security and Reconciliation of Churches in the Rektor Einar Vetvik Ms Anne Lagerstedt Rev. Dr Zoltan Bona Rev. Christine Busch Diakonhjemmet University College, Working Group on EU Ecumenical Forum of European Reformed Church in Hungary Evangelical Church in Germany Christian Women Ms Lena Kumlin LL.M (co-moderator) legislation Rev. Elfriede Dörr Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Ms Paula Devejian Dr. Sophie van Bijsterveld Rev. Tony Peck Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church European Baptist Federation Confession in Romania Archimandrite Ignatios Sotiriadis Protestant Church in the Netherlands Church of Greece Rev. Miklos Menessy Ms Ingvill Thorson Plesner Rev. Serge Fornerod Ecumenical Association of Churches in Dr Lisbet Christoffersen Rev. Peter Southcombe Evangelical-Lutheran Church of (co-moderator) Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches Romania in the United Denmark OKR Dr David Gill Kingdom The Rev. David Mumford Dr Altana Filos Dr Daniel Spratek Evangelical Church in Germany Church and Peace Silesian Evangelical Church of the Fr Dr George Tsetsis (co-moderator) Greek Evangelical Church Mr William Jourdan Ecumenical Patriarchate Dr Anette Månsson Augsburg Confession in the Czech Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe Church of Sweden Rev. Gunnar Grönblom Republic Rev. Andrzej Wojtowicz Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Mr Vakhtang Kipshidze Polish Ecumenical Council Mr Georgy Roshchin Dr. Anne-Ruth Wellert Russian Orthodox Church Russian Orthodox Church Prof. Dr Peter Kresak Evangelical Church in Germany Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Ms Jitka Klubalova Dr Karl-Reinhart Trauner Confession in the Slovak Republic (until May 2007) Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Confession in Austria Czech Republic

Religion in the Public Sphere 19 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 20 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Our resources Plenary 2007

he Church and Society utive Agency: “Europe for Citizens Pro- with the corresponding higher levels of Commission accounts for gramme – support for Civil Society staffing. The CSC is especially grateful 2007 are very similar to the Project”. The CSC gratefully thanks the to the member churches and church- previous year. We would European Commission for its financial related agencies for their financial con- T like to thank all who have support of the “” at EEA3. tributions, which have greatly increased financially supported the work of the The accounts relating to this grant have the CSC’s ability to undertake additional Commission. not yet been finalized and the prom- activities.The 2007 annual plenary The entire staff of the Commission ised amount is yet to be received; ac- meeting took place in Etchmiadzin (Ar- fully participated in the preparation and cordingly, these figures will be included menia), where we were generously host- smooth conduct of the Third European in the 2008 accounts. ed by the Armenian Apostolic Ortho- Ecumenical Assem- dox Church. bly (EEA3) which is The work required for EEA3 was in Finally, the CSC would like to record not reflected in the addition to other meetings. These meet- its thanks to those churches that are charts illustrating ings were however achieved with lower supporting its work by delegating or ap- this article. costs in comparison to the previous pointing additional staff. Some ap- Europe Day co-financed The Church and Society Com- years. Numerous programmatic activi- pointments are longstanding, others by the European Union within mission in partnership with the Ortho- ties have been financed by member more recent, but all are valued. These the“Europe dox Archbishopric of Sibiu, Churches’ churches; without this support such ac- include: Eglise de la Confession d’Augs- for Citizens” programme Commission for Migrants in Europe, tivities would not have been possible. bourg d’Alsace et de Lorraine, Church 2007-2013 Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland The position of Executive Secretary of Scotland, Methodist Church in Great he 2007 Plenary of the The main theme of the Plenary was sites connected to the Armenian histo- and the Commission of Bishops’ Con- for Human Rights was vacant for much Britain, Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Church and Society Com- “Intercultural dialogue”. This theme ry and culture. Most impressive were ferences in the European Community of 2007; the saving in direct staff costs Salvation Army (UK/Ireland), Evange- mission met from 15-19 was not only introduced and discussed the visit and at the Memorial has applied and has been selected for has been compensated by the increased lische Landeskirche in Württemberg, June 2007 at the invitation through presentations and plenary de- commemorating the genocide of the receipt of a grant of 55,000 € from the level of staff seconded by the member Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Fin- T of the Armenian Apostolic bates (cf. article on Intercultural Dia- Armenian people at the beginning of European Commission through its Ed- churches (see below). Travel, office and land, Church of Sweden, Federation of Orthodox Church at the Mother See of logue in this Annual Report). “The the 20th century and the following par- ucation, Audiovisual and Culture Exec- rental expenses have slightly increased Protestant Churches in Switzerland. Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia. context, in which the meeting took ticipation in the Holy at the place, was probably the best introduc- Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. As usual, the 24 members of the tion to the main theme of this year’s The CSC moderators thanked H. H. Commission supported by representa- Plenary meeting,” the CSC Director Karekin II, our hosts, Archbishop Pet- tives of associated organisations re- stated afterwards. “We are grateful to rossian, member of the CEC Central viewed the work done by the Com- the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Committee, and Commission member mission in the previous year and adopt- Church and its Head His Holiness Fr. Hovakim Manukyan for their hos- ed a work programme for the follow- Karekin II of all Armenians, who have pitality. “It was with great pleasure that ing year. In addition, the Commission invited us to the Mother See of Holy the Church and Society Commission sent a solidarity address to the chur- Etchmiadzin. Here it becomes evident received such a rich introduction to the ches and ecumenical partners in the how much the culture and history of life of the church and people of our host Middle East and addressed the Euro- the country is connected to the wit- country”, they said. “The hospitality, pean Council (jointly with Eurodiaco- ness and life of the church.” the interest in Europe and the ecume- nia) on the eve of its meeting on social nical commitment of the Armenian rights to be emphasized and protected The participants visited monaster- people were very impressive and in- in the European Treaty. ies, an Armenian factory and several structive for us.”

Religion in the Public Sphere 21 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 22 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 CEC Member Churches & Associated Organisations

Albania Denmark Greece Poland Churches Together in Wales Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Baptist Union of Denmark Greek Evangelical Church Baptist Union of Poland Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Conference of European ’ Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Church of Greece Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in the Republic of Association Denmark Confession in Poland Slovenia Conference of European University Armenia Hungary Evangelical-Reformed Church in Poland Chaplains Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church Baptist Union of Hungary Old-Catholic Mariavite Church in Council of Churches in the Netherlands Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Poland Spanish Evangelical Church Ecumenical Association of Academies Austria Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Hungary Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Centres in Europe Abroad Evangelical-Methodist Church in Polish (Old-Catholic) Ecumenical Association of Churches in Confession in Austria Estonian Methodist Church Hungary Sweden Evangelical Church of the Helvetic in Poland Romania/AIDROM Reformed Church in Hungary Ecumenical Association for Adult Confession in Austria Finland Portugal Church of Sweden Evangelical-Methodist Church in Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland Mission Covenant Church of Sweden Education in Europe Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria Orthodox Church in Finland Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Iceland Evangelical Church United Methodist Church of Sweden Old-Catholic Church in Austria Annual Conference Hungary France Ireland Methodist Church of Portugal Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Belgium Church of the Augsburg Confession in Presbyterian Church in Portugal Switzerland Slovak Republic United Protestant Church in Belgium Alsace and Lorraine Methodist Church in Ireland Romania Federation of the Swiss Protestant Ecumenical Forum of European Evangelical-Lutheran Church of France Presbyterian Church in Ireland Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Churches Christian Women Bulgaria Federation of Evangelical-Baptist Old-Catholic Church of Switzerland Ecumenical Institute for the Nordic Baptist Union of Bulgaria Italy Confession in Romania Churches of France Evangelical-Lutheran Church in United Methodist Church in Region Evangelical-Methodist Church in French Reformed Church Baptist Union of Italy Switzerland Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe Bulgaria Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Italy Romania Malagasy Protestant Church in France Reformed Church in Romania Estonian Council of Churches Pentecostal Assemblies of Bulgaria Reformed Church of Alsace-Lorraine Evangelical-Methodist Church in Italy Eurodiaconia / European Federation for Waldensian Church (Kiralyhagomelléki District) Trans-Carpathian Reformed Church Reformed Church in Romania Diaconia European Alliance of YMCAs Baptist Union of Croatia Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia Latvia (Transylvanian District) International Areas Church of God in Croatia Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Latvia Romanian Orthodox Church Ecumenical Patriarchate of European Baptist Federation Evangelical Church in the Republic of Germany Latvian Evangelical-Lutheran Church Constantinople European Contact Group Croatia Catholic Diocese of the Old-Catholics in Abroad European Continental Province of the European Forum of Christian Men Evangelical Pentecostal Church in Germany Euro-Asiatic Federation of the Unions of European YWCA’s Croatia Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) Evangelical Christian- Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Russia Federation of Protestant Churches in Reformed Christian Church in Croatia Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Evangelical Church in the Principality of Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Ingria and Other States Italy Germany (Baptists) Liechtenstein in Russia Salvation Army International Finnish Ecumenical Council United Methodist Church in Germany Russian Orthodox Church Headquarters Europe Zone French Protestant Federation United Methodist Church - Nordic and Gustav Adolf Foundation Great Britain Evangelical-Lutheran Church of / Czech Republic Lithuania Baltic Area Intereuropean Commission on Church Baptist Union of Great Britain Evangelical-Methodist Church in and School Czechoslovak Hussite Church Lithuanian Evangelical-Lutheran Macedonia United Methodist Church - Central and The Methodist Church of Great Britain Area International Association for Christian Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren Church in Germany Evangelical-Methodist Church in Serbia Evangelical-Methodist Church in the Education Church of England Reformed Christian Church in Cec Associated Organisations International Prison Chaplains’ Czech Republic Church of Scotland Serbia/Montenegro Action of Churches Together in Moravian Church in the Czech Republic Alliance of Protestant Churches of Association/Europe Congregational Federation of the United Luxembourg Serbian Orthodox Church Scotland Irish Council of Churches Old-Catholic Church in the Czech Kingdom Slovak Evangelical Church of the Christian Council of Norway Republic Netherlands Portuguese Council of Christian Council of African and Carribean Augsburg Confession in Serbia Christian Council of Sweden Churches Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands Mennonite Church in the Netherlands Churches Church and Peace Spanish Committee on Cooperation and Slovak Republic Old-Catholic Church of the Netherlands Slovak Republic Presbyterian Church of Wales Church Mission Society between the Churches Silesian Evangelical Church of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Salvation Army - UK Territory/Ireland Confession in the Slovak Republic Churches Commission for Migrants in Union of Evangelical Free Churches in Augsburg Confession in the Czech Scottish Episcopal Church Remonstrant Brotherhood Europe Republic Evangelical Free Church in the Slovak Germany Shiloh United Church of Christ Norway Republic Churches Together in Britain and World Student Christian Federation Apostolic Worldwide Church of Norway Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands Ireland (Europe) United Reformed Church in the United and Slovak Republic Churches Together in England Kingdom Reformed Christian Church in the Slovak Republic Religion in the Public Sphere 23 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Religion in the Public Sphere 24 Annual report of the Church and Society Commission 2007 Who we are

he Church and Society the CSC received a special status with - Committee. In consultation with the Commission is one of the in CEC. Its work programme as well as General Secretary of CEC it can make commissions of the Confer - its working mechanisms and methods public statements on issues within its ence of European Churches are determined by a 24-person Com - remit. The CSC has secretariats in Brus - g

r (CEC). The CSC links CEC’s mission in agreement with CEC’s Central sels and Strasbourg and maintains o .

k T 125 member churches from all over Eu - Committee. strong links with the CEC headquarters e

k rope and its associated organisations The Commission Plenary meets once in Geneva. The Directorate of the CSC - c

e with the European Union institutions, a year, and elects the CSC Executive is based in Brussels. c . the Council of Europe, the OSCE, NATO w

w and the UN (on European matters). It

w Mandate European Institutions and Long term working

: engages its member churches and as - makes inputs to the insti - groups have been e and Methods t

i sociated organisations in studies and tutions on behalf of its established for the s Our mandate

b projects relevant to church and society member churches following priority areas e • To foster greater ecume - • CSC acts through its of the 2004-2009 work

w and thus supports and strengthens the nical dialogue, co-opera - working groups which programme: s ’ common witness of European churches tion and fellowship be - • European Integration

C study church and society

E vis-à-vis the European Institutions and tween CEC member chur - issues and engages • EU Legislation C ches on Church and Soci - member churches in con - • Peace, Security and Re - e in the respective European societies. ety issues h sultations and projects on conciliation t

y The CSC was established in 1999 as • To create a space for • Bioethics and Biotechnol - t specific topics n e

o member churches to

i a result of an integration process be - • The CSC closely cooper - ogy c n meet and find ways to ates with other church- • Human rights and Reli - o tween CEC and the European Ecume - o s i act together for the com -

t related organizations and gious Freedom d

c nical Commission for Church and So - mon good in Europe NGOs such as CCME, Eu - • Social Issues (a joint e n a S ciety (EECCS), both of which had a • To encourage and sustain rodiaconia, APRODEV and Working Group with Eu - y h a Christian contribution

t COMECE rodiaconia)

c long-standing record of working in the r e to political, social and i • The CSC bases its actions u c field of church and society. economic life in Europe h The CSC also o on its work programme c S CEC was founded in 1959 as a • As a strong partner of the through flexible and ad addresses – d European institutions, to the following themes

o bridge-building organisation between hoc working mechanisms n

d advocate and promote a a the churches in Eastern and Western and methods. with appropriate e h Europe of solidarity, re - More information on working mechanisms: c w r Europe. conciliation and human • Globalisation t http:// www.cec-kek.org u

a dignity • Sustainable Development h 1979 can be regarded as the found - • In the implementation of h C its agenda, regular com - • Environmental Issues w ing date for EECCS, which was estab - e • Agriculture and Rural Life

n How we work

h munication between CSC

t lished as a representation of churches o • The Church and Society and its member churches • Gender Equality k k vis-à-vis the European institutions. c • Education c Commission (CSC) moni - and the Institutions are of i i l l Following this integration process, tors developments in the • Inter-religious Dialogue C c crucial importance

Acronyms

AACC All Africa Conference of Churches CSC Church and Society Commission LWF Lutheran World Federation AGAPE Alternative Globalisation Addressing People DG Directorate General MEP Member of European Parliament and Earth ECEN European Christian Environmental Network ODIHR Office for Democratic Institutions and Human APRODEV Association of World Council of Churches ECG European Contact Group Rights related Development Organisations in EEA3 Third European Ecumenical Assembly OSCE Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Europe CCEE Council of European Bishops’ Conferences EECCS European Ecumenical Commission for Church and Society PACE Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of CCME Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe EHRC European Convention on Human Rights Europe SECAM Symposium of Episcopal Conferences in CEC Conference of European Churches ENAR European Network Against Racism Africa and Madagascar CERN Churches Environmental Rural Network ESDP European Security and Defence Policy WARC World Alliance of Reformed Churches CoE Council of Europe EURODIACONIA European Federation for Diaconia WCC World Council of Churches COMECE Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of ICD Intercultural Dialogue WG Working Group the European Community © 2008 Conference of European Churches (CEC)

Church and Society Commission of CEC Rue Joseph II, 174 • BE - 1000 Brussels, Belgium tel. +32 2 230 17 32 • fax +32 2 231 14 13 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cec-kek.org

Edited by Elizabeta Kitanovic and Véronique Engels in cooperation with Luca Negro Design: Giulio Sansonetti, Rome

The reproduction of this report or parts of it requires prior agreement of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches

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Photo credits . Cover: “Rusty Faith” found on www.istockphoto.com. Page 1: Icon for the 3rd Ecumenical Assembly, Sibiu, Romania: said “I am the light of the world” (John 8, 12). Painted in the Orthodox Monastery of Sâmbata de Sus, Romania. Page 2-3: same as cover page: “Rusty Faith”, found on www.istockphoto.com. Page 4-5: Meeting of religious leaders with the European Institutions © European Community. Page 6-7: Official European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008. Page 8-9: “La Thérapeute”, 1941 painting by René Magritte. Page 10-11: Children demonstrate during a global education campaign in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, on 2 May 2007. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET. Page 12-13: European Angel at 31st German Protestant Kirchentag in Cologne (photo by Michael Riedel-Schneider). Jorge César das Neves (CSC Brussels Strasbourg Geneva photo by Rüdiger Noll). José Manuel Barroso at 3rd Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania (CEC photo by Ag. Siciliani). Page 14: Metropolitan Church and Society Commission of CEC Church and Society Commission of CEC CEC General Secretariat Kirill, Rev OKRin Antje Heider Rottwilm & Rüdiger Noll, Human Rights Meeting, Moscow – March 2007. Page 15: Church and Society (Directorate) 8, rue du Fossé des Treize PO Box 2100, Commission of CEC meeting His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme of All Armenians (official photo from the Armenian rue Joseph II, 174, FR • 67000 Strasbourg 150, route de Ferney, Apostolic Church). Page 16-17: The Executive Committee and staff of the Church and Society Commission (photos by Véronique Engels, BE •1000 Brussels tel: +33 3 88 15 27 60 CH • 1211 Geneva 2 Elina Eloranta, EKD Brussels, Verena Günther, Sebastian Lamotte, Elizabeta Kitanovic, Rüdiger Noll). Page 18-19: Europe Secretaries of Church tel: +32 2 230 17 32 fax: +33 3 88 15 27 61 tel: +41 22 791 61 11 and Society Commission of CEC at the European Commission (photo CSC). Page 21: CSC Plenary in Armenia, 15-19 June 2007. fax: +32 2 231 14 13 e-mail: [email protected] fax: +41 22 791 62 27 Prayer at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Monument (CSC photo by Rüdiger Noll). Page 22-23: Picture of three kakhar; Armenian e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] crosses (CSC photo by Matthew Ross). © 2008 Conference of European Churches (CEC)

Church and Society Commission of CEC Rue Joseph II, 174 • BE - 1000 Brussels, Belgium tel. +32 2 230 17 32 • fax +32 2 231 14 13 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.cec-kek.org

Edited by Elizabeta Kitanovic and Véronique Engels in cooperation with Luca Negro Design: Giulio Sansonetti, Rome

The reproduction of this report or parts of it requires prior agreement of the Church and Society Commission of the Conference of European Churches

Printed on ecological paper

Photo credits . Cover: “Rusty Faith” found on www.istockphoto.com. Page 1: Icon for the 3rd Ecumenical Assembly, Sibiu, Romania: Jesus said “I am the light of the world” (John 8, 12). Painted in the Orthodox Monastery of Sâmbata de Sus, Romania. Page 2-3: same as cover page: “Rusty Faith”, found on www.istockphoto.com. Page 4-5: Meeting of religious leaders with the European Institutions © European Community. Page 6-7: Official European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008. Page 8-9: “La Thérapeute”, 1941 painting by René Magritte. Page 10-11: Children demonstrate during a global education campaign in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, on 2 May 2007. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET. Page 12-13: European Angel at 31st German Protestant Kirchentag in Cologne (photo by Michael Riedel-Schneider). Jorge César das Neves (CSC Brussels Strasbourg Geneva photo by Rüdiger Noll). José Manuel Barroso at 3rd Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania (CEC photo by Ag. Siciliani). Page 14: Metropolitan Church and Society Commission of CEC Church and Society Commission of CEC CEC General Secretariat Kirill, Rev OKRin Antje Heider Rottwilm & Rüdiger Noll, Human Rights Meeting, Moscow – March 2007. Page 15: Church and Society (Directorate) 8, rue du Fossé des Treize PO Box 2100, Commission of CEC meeting His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians (official photo from the Armenian rue Joseph II, 174, FR • 67000 Strasbourg 150, route de Ferney, Apostolic Church). Page 16-17: The Executive Committee and staff of the Church and Society Commission (photos by Véronique Engels, BE •1000 Brussels tel: +33 3 88 15 27 60 CH • 1211 Geneva 2 Elina Eloranta, EKD Brussels, Verena Günther, Sebastian Lamotte, Elizabeta Kitanovic, Rüdiger Noll). Page 18-19: Europe Secretaries of Church tel: +32 2 230 17 32 fax: +33 3 88 15 27 61 tel: +41 22 791 61 11 and Society Commission of CEC at the European Commission (photo CSC). Page 21: CSC Plenary in Armenia, 15-19 June 2007. fax: +32 2 231 14 13 e-mail: [email protected] fax: +41 22 791 62 27 Prayer at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Monument (CSC photo by Rüdiger Noll). Page 22-23: Picture of three kakhar; Armenian e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] crosses (CSC photo by Matthew Ross).