CHURCH OF ENGLAND COUNCIL FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY CHURCH HOUSE LONDON

EUROPEAN BULLETIN – No 92

June 2016

CONTENTS

1. Introduction 2. Anglican Centre in 50th Anniversary Service in Westminster Abbey: Christian Leadership Course 3. Archbishop Justin pilgrimage to Cappadocia 4. EU Referendum: meetings and letter to “The Times” 5. Faith in Europe briefing Thursday 14 July 6. News from CEC: CEC and CCEE Secretaries meet in London to plan further co-operation; Secretaries of National Church Councils meet in Lisbon; Human rights summer school in Thessaloniki; ECEN Conference on water; CEC Governing Body on Assembly Preparation and Statement on Refugee Crisis 7.. The in European Perspective Conference in Erfurt September – October 2016 8. Lutherans and Roman Catholics commemorate Reformation in 9. Relic of St Thomas Becket comes to England 10. News from WCC: Delegation visits Ukraine; Bossey celebrates 70 years; European Christian Convention plans develop

1. INTRODUCTION

Dear Bulletin Readers

This Bulletin comes with a tinge of sadness as our Senior Editor will soon be moving from his twin headquarters at Church House Westminster and Lambeth Palace to take up a Chaplaincy post in Hamburg .

The Revd Canon Dr Leslie Nathaniel to be the new Chaplain of the Anglican Church of St Thomas Becket Church in the German city of Hamburg - one of the oldest established and significant churches in the diocese, whose congregation has been in existence since 1612. St Thomas Becket draws a large international worshipping community from 15 nationalities, has a fine musical tradition and strong links to the local community. Great local ecumenical opportunities through close links to St Michael’s (EKD), the chaplaincies of the Nordic churches and the Roman as well as the Mission Academy, lie on its doorstep.

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In welcoming the appointment, Jo Dawes, from St Thomas' Becket church, says “Father’s Leslie’s own experience of crossing cultural boundaries will resonate with many of us. We are thrilled to have secured the services of Father Leslie who should arrive in Hamburg in mid-September to be commissioned by Bishop David.”

Canon Leslie’s new church is dedicated to St Thomas Becket and there has been recently been a notable week of events as a Hungarian delegation brought a relic of the saint over to London and then to Canterbury (see item 9). This has been a reminder about the impact that St Thomas Becket has made in mainland Europe over the centuries.

Canon Leslie is currently the Archbishop of Canterbury’s International Ecumenical Secretary and European Secretary of the Council for Christian Unity. He has edited the European Bulletins since number 59 in June 2009 and convened conferences of European Diocesan Links Officers inviting some notable guest speakers. Born and brought up in South India, he has previously lived and worked in Germany, and is married to a German priest. He is already a Canon of the Diocese in Europe.

Leslie promises to stay in touch as a bulletin reader with, we are sure, items of interest to report from his new base.

Thanks to readers for information

Thanks to the Venerable Christine Allsopp for sending in a report about the CEC Human Rights Summer School in Thessaloniki (see item 6).

We are indebted to the Anglican – Lutheran Society journal “The Window” for information in items 7 and 8 of this bulletin about Reformation based events in Erfurt and Sweden.

Thanks to readers who sent in information about EU Referendum hustings events so that we could send out details in messages in between bulletins.

Leslie Nathaniel Archbishop of Canterbury’s International Ecumenical Secretary and European Secretary Council for Christian Unity

Francis Bassett Assistant Secretary Council for Christian Unity

The Bulletin is sent out on a mailing list: Please advise us if your email address changes, or if you do not wish to receive the Bulletin. CCU is not responsible for the content of external web sites mentioned in this Bulletin. Individual views expressed in blogs, reports or communiques are not necessarily the views of the editors.

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2. ANGLICAN CENTRE IN ROME

 50TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY

On Tuesday 14 June the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey hosted a Choral Evensong with Thanksgiving for the 50th Anniversary of the Anglican Centre in Rome. The Most Revd Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham and Roman Catholic Co-Chair of the ARCIC III dialogue read the first lesson from 1 Samuel and the Most Revd Dr David Moxon, Director of the ACR read the second lesson from Ephesians. Joining the Ven Andrew Tremlett in leading intercessions were ACR associates the Revd Marcus Walker, Bridget Moss, Sodiq Abioye, the Revd Roxanne Hunte and the Rt Revd Dr Stephen Platten.

Taking as his text Ephesians 4 1-3 (“making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”) Archbishop Justin described the ACR in his homily as: “a needle to provoke mission, a translator to interpret tongues of difference, a channel of friendship to help share hope and strength, a family to celebrate our call as God’s children.” He spoke about the ARCIC dialogue, the IARCCUM practical projects in his closing remarks described the ACR as “the living presence that enables love – that in some sense cannot be fully consummated at present – to be expressed through those from here who go there, and with those in Rome who meet its director and know that we love them, which we do, as individuals and together. Like the ring given by Pope Paul VI to Archbishop Michael Ramsey, the ACR is worth much but stands for infinitely more. It is essential to our relationship, to knowing the pain of division, to being humble and patient in bearing with one another in love. Above all it carries the disruption of love, that brings in place of the comfortable complacency of long accustomed distance the ecstasies and agonies of passion and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In its neighbours like Caravita, it finds a reciprocity of affection, which provokes and disrupts disunity.”

The Abbey Choir conducted by James O’ Donnell sang music by Palestrina, Howells and Jonathan Harvey. The Dean, the Very Revd John Hall, concluded the service with a blessing. The full text of Archbishop Justin’s sermon can be read at:

3 http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5737/archbishop-preaches-at- anglican-centre-in-rome-50th-anniversary-service

 CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COURSE

The Anglican Centre in Rome is currently accepting applications for this year’s ‘Christian Leaders’ course. The course will take place in Rome from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 September. Archbishop David Moxon, the Director of the Centre has commented that ‘Rome offers a number of unique and very memorable role models and examples of Christian leadership in action today. There are also remarkable opportunities to make first hand contact with sites associated with the early apostles, Peter and Paul. Rome is witness to a refreshing and courageous form of papal ministry these days. A course such as this helps a student learn and grow from this context.’ He also notes that students who participated in the course last year have reported their appreciation for ‘the context, the action-reflection method, the personal mentoring and the well-researched methodology’.

Further details are available via the Centre’s website, at http://www.anglicancentreinrome.org/Groups/108939/Anglican_Centre_in/Resources/ Courses_Sabbaticals_Study/Courses_Sabbaticals_Study.aspx.

Details can also be found at this link about an equivalent week long course that the Centre is planning for 2017 from 16 to 22 October.

3. ARCHBISHOP JUSTIN PILGRIMAGE TO CAPPADOCIA

On Monday 6 June on the final day of his recent pilgrimage to Cappadocia Archbishop Justin met Ecumenical Patriarch. During Vespers at the former church of St Constantine and St Helena in Sinasos he referred to his previous visit to him in 2014 and His All – Holiness’ visit to London in the autumn of last year.

Archbishop Justin offered his prayers for the meeting later in June of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. He said:

“… the whole Christian world is aware that you are meeting later this month for the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. You have been in all our prayers, in particular during the last months as you and your co-workers have coordinated the final preparatory phases of the Council, looking also to find ways to enable the Council to be an event experienced by all the Orthodox Faithful. The proposal after so many centuries to hold a Council concerns the whole Church. All other churches and Christian bodies can only be encouraged and strengthened by a renewed and more visibly unified Orthodox Church in our midst. From you we find great blessing and strength of faith and purpose. So we pray that the Council will be greatly blessed by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and prove to be as you have said not only a first but also ‘a most decisive step’ that, by God's grace, will give Orthodox witness the authoritative seal of unity and conciliarity.

4 Your All Holiness, dear Brother, our experience as Anglicans this year, in far simpler meetings, has taught me more of the complexities of convening and presiding at such global gatherings; and it leads me, with a deep sense of fraternal love, to assure you of my prayers as you now look to the inauguration of this great gathering. May the Holy Spirit be ever present during your deliberations and may it be a Council of hope and love. I look forward to our continuing pilgrimage together. In a world crying out for redemption and reconciliation may we be strengthened to point together to the only eternal hope and lasting treasure as we confess and witness to Christ, our risen Lord and Saviour.”

4. EU REFERENDUM

Meetings

Bulletin readers have been in contact about EU Referendum meetings that have recently taken place around the country These include events in Stantonbury, Eynsham, St Albans, Salisbury and Earley near Reading.

Letter to “The Times”

On Thursday 16 June “The Times” published the following letter from a past president of CEC and others: Sir, The British Isles have been inseparable from Europe’s history, its culture, its economy and its soul. We have been an integral part of Europe’s glories and its shame. We have benefited from its arts and sciences, its literature and its learning, and contributed much in return. Europe’s wars have been our wars. Now we share Europe’s longing for peace and rejoice in the reconciliation achieved since 1945. Had we not stood firm against tyranny in 1939 there would be no democratic Germany at the heart of the EU, an imperfect body but still a remarkable achievement. Europe is “us”, not “them”. Europe is part of our Judeo-Christian heritage, now enriched by other faiths. Not only does our prosperity attract others, but also our vision and values, freedoms and tolerance. Europe matters to a world needing solidarity, peace, social justice and care for the environment. It would be irresponsible to walk away. To leave the EU would be a vote against a community from which we have much to gain and to which we have much to contribute. Brexit would be a vote against ourselves; a political, economic, cultural and spiritual self-inflicted wound.

The Very Revd Dr John Arnold, past president, Conference of European Churches; Canon Professor Grace Davie, emeritus professor of the sociology of religion, Exeter University; Canon Dr Paul Oestreicher, former international secretary, British

5 Council of Churches; The Revd Donald Reeves, director, Soul of Europe; The Very Revd John Witcombe, dean,

5. FAITH IN EUROPE BRIEFING THURSDAY 14 JULY GUEST SPEAKER: BISHOP ROBERT INNES

The next Faith in Europe Briefing Meeting will take place on Thursday 14 July. The speaker will be The Rt Revd Dr Robert Innes, the Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe. He will offer his reflections on the theme 'Christianity as the Soul of Europe'. This will be followed by questions and discussion.

The meeting will take place in the Monnet Room at Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU. It will start at 2.15 pm and is scheduled to finish by about 4.15.

FIE needs to know how many people to expect at the meeting, so interested people are asked to contact the Secretary Philip Walters as soon as possible, and in any case by Thursday 7 July. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

There is no charge for the meeting, but donations to Faith in Europe will be welcome.

Philip Walters can be contacted on [email protected]

6. NEWS FROM CEC

 CEC AND CCEE PRESIDENTS MEET IN LONDON TO PLAN FURTHER CO-OPERATION

The presidents and general secretaries of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) met in London on Tuesday 24 May to discuss issues of common concern and plan for upcoming joint initiatives. Presidents Rt Revd Christopher Hill KCVO, DD (CEC) and Cardinal Péter Erdő (CCEE) were joined by CEC General Secretary Fr Heikki Huttunen and CCEE Secretary General Mgr Duarte da Cunha at Church House Westminster, the headquarters of the Church of England.

The meeting gave the presidents an opportunity to discuss ecumenical issues in Europe, and evaluate the longstanding cooperation between CEC and CCEE. They reaffirmed their commitment to this important relationship and looked forward to the next meeting of the CEC-CCEE Joint Committee. The meeting is foreseen for early 2017 and will focus on the safeguarding of creation and freedom of religion

6 Throughout the meeting, the presidents also discussed the importance of current conflicts and challenges affecting Europe. The situation of refugees and migrants, peace and conflict in the Middle East, and cooperation within and beyond the EU were all topics of concern.

The meeting ended with a meal at the invitation of Cardinal , Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

 SECRETARIES OF NATIONAL CHURCH COUNCILS MEET IN LISBON

From Tuesday 31 May to Friday 3 June, the city of Lisbon played host to the general secretaries of European National Council Churches (ENCCs) in an annual meeting convened by the Conference of European Churches. The participants came from different regions of Europe and met at the Lusitanian Church Cathedral (Anglican Communion in Portugal) at the invitation of the Portuguese Council of Christian Churches (COPIC).

The meeting offered an important annual opportunity for ENCCs to share experiences and support each other in their ecumenical work. The general secretaries also brought reports from their home countries in a session led by CEC General Secretary Fr Heikki Huttunen.

The current situation in Europe informed the programme. Presentations relating to the ongoing refugee crisis were given by Rev. Alfredo Abad Heras, vice-moderator of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe Executive Committee, and Cardinal , Patriarch of Lisbon. Cardinal Clemente took a special interest in the group and offered a personal guided tour of the historical treasures of the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. He engaged the group in an open and powerful dialogue on the need for churches to act and speak out on behalf of migrants and refugees in Europe. Participants also learned about the local situation from Dr. Rui Marques, president of Platform for Refugee Support (Plataforma de Ajuda aos Refugiados).

Religious freedom and trends in religion in Portugal were also featured on the agenda. CEC Study Secretary Peter Pavlovic led the group in a discussion of EU economic governance, and introduced the work of the European Christian Environmental Network in advance of its upcoming assembly in Helsinki.

On behalf of the general secretaries gathered in Lisbon, COPIC President Bishop Sifredo Teixeira wrote to UK NCCs in advance of the upcoming UK EU referendum. “Please be assured of our prayers and good wishes at this momentous time of decision,” he wrote. “We believe that peace and reconciliation lie at the heart of the European Union, particularly given the legacy of past conflicts.”

For more details including access to the full text of the letter go to CEC website at:

7 http://www.ceceurope.org/european-ecumenical-secretaries-meet-in-lisbon-to- discuss-refugee-crisis-religious-freedom-and-eu-affairs/

 HUMAN RIGHTS SUMMER SCHOOL IN THESSALONIKI The Conference of European Churches, in partnership with the Theological School of Aristotle University, organised the 3rd Annual Summer School on Human Rights “Stand up for Women’s and Children’s Rights!” from 31 May to 4 June in Thessaloniki. More than 90 people, from different countries and representing a number of denominations, participated in the opening of the Summer School. Speakers included experts from Council of Europe, NATO, European universities and many CEC Member Churches and Organisations in Partnership. The situation of women and children was highlighted and discussed from legal, theological, and practical angles. In many situations, women and children are discriminated or denied their fundamental rights, such as the right to food, shelter, education, access to health care, participation in society and so on. In some European countries one of three women are victim or a potential victim of different forms of violence, including sexual violence and harassment. Children often face various types of violence and abuse on a daily basis, including bullying in schools. With regard to refugee women and children, the situation is direr still. Participants agreed that a common response is needed by states, societies, churches and other religious organizations, as human dignity does not have gender or age. The summer school facilitated the exchange about best practices on how to promote gender equality and the rights of the child in church and society. Summer School participants learned about international, European, and national legal frameworks on the protection of the rights children and women. The United Nation’s Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) and monitoring systems related to it are especially important for child-centred responses and safeguarding their best interests. Close analysis of biblical passages and traditional teachings of the churches helped shape discussions. There was a call for a self-critical theology that takes children as a starting point and gives them a voice. There were several study trips, including to the Centre for Roma Minors, to the premises to the NGO NAOMI, and to the refugee relocation centre Diavata. The students who attended the summer school had also possibility to pass the exam from this subject and receive credit for their studies. For more details from CEC see website page at: http://www.ceceurope.org/summer-school-on-human-rights-human-dignity-doesnt- have-gender-or-age/

Report from Christine Allsopp

8 The Venerable Christine Allsopp attended the Human Rights Summer School at Thessaloniki and has sent the Bulletin a report. Christine details the presentations about the rights of the child, the rights of women and the plight of children and women as refugees. With other attendees she had an evening meeting with a small number of Syrian refugees in Thessaloniki hearing about the dangers and hardships of relocation. The next morning she visited the Diavata Refugee Centre housing approximately 2,000 refugees, Syrian, Afghan and Iraqu of whom 600 were children. There were tensions there with stretched resources. She finishes her report by saying about her Diavata visit: “The children followed us everywhere, telling us their names, involving us in clapping and dancing games, holding our hands. We were told not to encourage them, a request we ignored, and I thought of Jesus’s words: “let the children come to me, do not stop them.” I reflected afterwards that although we felt helpless in our inability to change their situation, the children had enjoyed their attention and the adults appreciated being listened to and being able to tell us their stories. A practical outworking of this summer school’s theme of human rights.”

Christine Allsopp’s report is available from European Bulletin editor Francis Bassett on request,

 WATER IN A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: 11TH ASSEMBLY OF THE EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK

The 11th Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network met at the Culture Centre Sofia in Helsinki from 11 to 15 June. More than 80 delegates from 23 countries from all regions of Europe gathered for a time of prayer, discussion, and networking.

The Assembly took place shortly after the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. The theme—“Water in a sustainable future”—was developed around the relationship between climate change, the water cycle, and efforts for sustainable development. The Assembly offered a venue for sharing and strengthening cooperation, and to further encourage the churches’ work in the post-Paris era.

Presentations addressed the theme from scientific, policy, and theological perspectives. An opening presentation from , underscored the biblical and sacramental importance of water in the Christian tradition. The conference also gave the experts gathered an opportunity to discuss church action on climate change with church leaders from Finland. Throughout the assembly there was strong cooperation with the churches in Finland, including in keynote presentations from Archbishop Kari Mäkinen (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland) and Bishop Irja Askola, Bishop of Helsinki (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland).

Metropolitan Ambrosius of Helsinki (Orthodox Church of Finland) took a special interest in the group. He offered special greetings to ECEN delegates during the liturgy at Uspenski Cathedral on Sunday, offered morning prayers at Sofia, and participated in the assembly proceedings with a keynote presentation. Helsinki

9 Cathedral (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland) and St. Henry’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) in Helsinki also warmly received visits from ECEN delegates during their morning worship services.

At the close of the Assembly, the delegates approved a statement emphasising the theological and biblical imperative to work for water justice, and a call to action for individuals and churches. More details are available at the CEC website at http://www.ceceurope.org/ecen-assembly-church-leaders-and-researchers- discuss-water-in-a-sustainable-future/

 CEC GOVERNING BOARD MEETS IN BRUSSELS: ASSEMBLY PREPARATION, STATEMENT ON REFUGEE CRISIS

From 8 to 10 June the CEC Governing Board held its biannual meeting in Brussels. The agenda addressed both issues relating to governance and programmatic work, especially leading toward the CEC Assembly in 2018.

Preparations for the 2018 Assembly included developing a process for choosing the Assembly location and nominating the Assembly Planning Committee. The Board also discussed potential themes, especially in light of the current crises facing Europe. As part of these discussions, the board received and approved the publication of an open letter on the European project addressed to its membership and partners. The letter and further information will be distributed this week.

Regular business included approval of the November 2015 minutes, reports from CEC President Bishop Christopher Hill and CEC General Secretary Fr Heikki Huttunen. The general secretary’s report included update from executive staff on programmatic work. The board also reviewed and approved audited financial statements for 2015. The communications coordinator presented the 2015 Annual Report; it will be delivered to CEC constituency in the coming weeks. Revd Dr Sorin Selaru of the Romanian Orthodox Church was approved as a proxy member for His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph, also of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The Board also approved a recommendation for the position of Dialogue Secretary, an executive staff member who will join the Brussels office. Full details about that appointment will be made available in the coming weeks.

The Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe delivered a report and prepared a public issues statement on the current refugee and migration crisis. The public statement called on European states and EU Institutions to contribute to the UN high- level meeting to address large movements of refugees and migrants.

Throughout the meetings the board members offered prayer from their different respective traditions. The next regular meeting of the CEC Governing Board will take place in November 2016.

For more details including the full statement on the refugee crisis go to: http://www.ceceurope.org/cec-governing-board-meets-in-brussels-prepares-for- assembly-issues-statement-on-refugee-crisis/

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7. REFORMATION IN EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER IN ERFURT

The ancient episcopal seat of Erfurt has many links with Martin Luther. It was here that Luther lived for 7 years in the Augustinian Monastery which still stands. He was consecrated to the priesthood in the Cathedral on 3 April 1507 and called from Erfurt to Wittenberg in 1512 to be Professor of Biblical Theology.

From Friday 30 September to Monday 3 October there will be a conference under the theme The Reformation in European Perspective taking place in the St Ursula House of Education in Erfurt. This event will precede an overall commemoration of the Reformation from 31 October 2016 to 31 October 2017.

Present day Biblical Theologian Irmgard Weth will detail an Old Testament discovery in the address A forgotten treasure – King Josiah and his message of Reform. Bishop Rupert Hoare will speak about Reformers and Reformation in England. Pastor Renate Höppner, who grew up in Erfurt, will give a guided tour of the historic sites of the town. There will be an ecumenical Eucharist celebrated in the church of the Augustinian Monastery where once Martin Luther daily celebrated.

For more details and enquiries contact [email protected]

8. LUTHERANS AND ROMAN CATHOLICS COMMEMORATE

The Lutheran World Federation and Roman Catholic Church will hold a joint ecumenical commemoration of the Reformation on 31 October this year in , Sweden. , LWF President Dr Munib Younan and LWF General Secretary Revd Dr Martin Junge will lead the ecumenical commemoration in cooperation with the Church of Sweden and the Catholic Diocese of Stockholm.

There will be common worship based on the recently published Catholic – Lutheran Common Prayer liturgical guide which is based on the study document From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran – Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017. Thanksgiving, repentance and commitment to common witness will feature as worship themes.

Some church leaders have commented in advance about the event:

LWF General Secretary Dr Martin Junge said: “The LWF is approaching the Reformation anniversary in a spirit of ecumenical accountability. I’m carried by the profound conviction that, by working towards justice, peace and reconciliation

11 between Lutherans and Catholics, we are working towards justice, peace and reconciliation in a world torn apart by conflict and violence.”

Cardinal Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, said: “By concentrating together on the centrality of the question of God and on a Christocentric approach, Lutherans and Catholics have the possibility of an ecumenical commemoration of the Reformation, not simply in a pragmatic way, but in the deep sense of faith in the crucified and resurrected Christ.”

Archbishop Antje Jackelén of the Church of Sweden expressed her delight: “It is with joy and expectation that the Church of Sweden welcomes the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church to hold the joint commemoration of the Reformation in Lund. We shall pray together with the entire ecumenical family in Sweden that the commemoration will contribute to Christian unity in our country and throughout the world.”

Anders Arborelius OCD, Bishop of the Catholic Church in Sweden, added: “The ecumenical situation in our part of the world is unique and interesting. I hope that this meeting will help us look to the future so that we can be witnesses of Jesus Christ and His gospel in our secularized world.”

The Common Prayer resource can be found at https://www.lutheranworld.org/content/joint-common-prayer-lutheran-catholic- common-commemoration-reformation-2017

9. ST THOMAS BECKET RELIC COMES TO ENGLAND

As widely reported a relic of Saint Thomas Becket visited England in the last week of May. This included Vespers and Mass at Westminster Cathedral in London on Monday, May 23rd. There was standing room only at the cathedral.

At the altar there were eighty Roman Catholic priests, ten Roman Catholic bishops, ten Anglican bishops, including Bishops Richard Chartres and David Hamid and two cardinal archbishops -- Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate of Hungary, and Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Chief Metropolitan of England and Wales. Hungarian President János Ader and Mrs. Ader and Péter Szabadhegyi, Hungary’s ambassador to the Court of St. James were in the front row. The Westminster Cathedral Choir sang psalms, motets and a mass setting by William Byrd. The congregation sang Gregorian chant responses and hymns.

At a Symposium at Lambeth Palace Friday 27 May welcome was given by Ambassador Péter Szabadhegyi and also Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr István Mikola. Eamon Duffy, Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge gave an overview about the event leading to the martyrdom of St Thomas. Professor Peter Marshall from Warwick spoke about the cult of St Thomas and its suppression at the Reformation. He read a communication from Professor Alexandra Walsham from the University of

12 Cambridge about the present and absence of St Thomas Becket in the post- reformation landscape. The Rt Hon László Kiss-Rigó, Bishop of Szeged-Csanád spoke about the cult of St Thomas in Hungary and Professor Peter Davidson from Campion Hall, Oxford about the cult in the recusant Catholic community. Janet Graffius FSA from Stonyhurst College spoke about the fate of the relics at the Reformation, the Stonyhurst Becket reliquary and the relics of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Archbishop spoke his personal response to the memory of Archbishop Thomas and Cardinal Vincent Nichols spoke about St Thomas in the Church today. A report about the Symposium by Philip Crispin appeared in the 11 June issue of The Tablet under the heading Counter-cultural martyr.

The relic later followed a pilgrimage route from London to Canterbury via Rochester with events in the cathedrals of Kent.

10. NEWS FROM WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

 WCC DELEGATION VISITS UKRAINE A WCC staff delegation visited Kiev from Monday 6 to Wednesday 8 June. The visit was the fourth such visit by the WCC to Ukraine since the conflict erupted in 2014. This time the delegation comprised Peter Prove, WCC director of the Commission of the Churches for International Affairs, and Rev. Daniel Buda, executive secretary of the WCC Faith and Order Commission. The host and co-organizer of the visit was the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). During the visit, the delegation — aiming to receive a full picture of the current situation in Ukraine in the religious field — had a number of formal meetings with representatives of Ukrainian churches as well as with officials from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission for Ukraine. On Monday 6 June, the delegation met with His Eminence Metropolitan Mytrofan, chair of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC, and its staff. Peter Prove recalled a statement made earlier by His Eminence, that the UOC “is being pressured by political actors to take one side or another in current political conflict. But the church does not take any side, because it has to remain the church for all, and to bear witness for peace and reconciliation, following Christ’s example.” Peter said that he was moved by this commitment, and expressed the hope that the UOC would continue to withstand the pressures upon it, and to raise its voice for national reconciliation. During the meeting, His Eminence described the ongoing critical situation in the temporarily occupied territories and the changes in the religious landscape since the last visit of the delegation to Ukraine. His Eminence especially highlighted two recent draft laws registered in Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which would allow changes of jurisdiction and affiliation of religious communities by local referenda not limited to

13 the members of those religious communities, and impose constraints on religious communities or organizations that are based in or affiliated with an ‘aggressor state’. Peter expressed great concern over these legislative initiatives and underlined that they “may adversely affect the essential ministry and religious freedom of some church communities in this country”. In meeting on Tuesday 7 June with the AUCCRO contact group – currently consisting of Rev. Valeriy Antoniuk, head of All-Ukrainian Union of Churches of Evangelical Baptists and current Chairman of the AUCCRO, Archpriest Mykolay Danylevych, deputy chairman of the DECR UOC, and Anatoliy V. Raychynets, Baptist Church, Ukrainian Bible Society – the issue of the draft laws was further discussed, with Peter Prove observing that such legislative initiatives could lead to dangerous consequences in the future by separating the churches from each other, and weakening their common witness for peace and reconciliation. The WCC delegation also visited the office of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Special Monitoring Mission for Ukraine, and met with Alexander Hug, deputy head of the Mission. Archpriest Vladyslav Dikhanov, head of the Synodal Department on Social- Humanitarian Matters of the UOC, provided the WCC representatives with an overview of the humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict, and of the church’s efforts to respond to people’s suffering and need. At the conclusion of the visit, Director Peter Prove stressed that the context of the current conflict, the churches have a unique potential for collective witness and action for peace and reconciliation in Ukraine. He urged the government of Ukraine “to reconsider and refrain from any measures that would impede this potential.” To read this report on the WCC website go to: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-delegation-visits-ukraine

 BOSSEY CELEBRATES SEVENTY YEARS OF ECUMENICAL FORMATION During the weekend of Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October the WCC's Ecumenical Institute at Bossey will host a series of events to celebrate seventy years of ecumenical formation, including an evening to meet present students on 30 September, an open house on 1 October with prayers in the Bossey chapel, guided tours of the campus, meetings with Bossey students and faculty, an ecumenical marketplace, alumni reunions and an evening concert, as well as presentations and discussion on “Peace-Building and the Role of Religions” with representatives from the United Nations, the Swiss government, the Swiss Council of Religions and WCC member churches. On Sunday, 2 October, everyone is invited to a prayer service that will be broadcast live from the Ecumenical Institute by Radio Swiss Romande.

14 Alumni, friends and neighbours are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the past, present and future of the Ecumenical Institute. For more details from the WCC website go to: https://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/events/70-years-of-ecumenical- formation-at-bossey

 ON THE WAY TO A “EUROPEAN CHRISTIAN CONVENTION”: ADDRESS BY WCC PRESIDENT FOR EUROPE At a meeting at Kloster Kappel in the Canton of Zurich between Thursday 9 and Saturday 11 June the vision of a large scale gathering to be known as the “European Christian Convention” was further developed from previous planning meetings in Bad Boll in June 2015 and Frankfurt in December 2015. The meeting included an address from WCC President for Europe Revd Dr Anders Wejryd, formerly Archbishop if Uppsala, about responsibilities of Europeans as human beings: “Our responsibilities, as humans – and Europeans, are immense. Our resources are beyond the limits we usually recognize. Our knowledge is unevenly divided and our wisdom even more so.” '“Christians and other people of God should still be guided by the recurring and central words, found in the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the Bible: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself.’” He noted from European history times of turbulence and times of rebuilding following conflict and encouraged the planners of the European Christian Convention to have a wide vision embracing all of Europe. For further details from the WCC website: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/press-centre/news/wcc-president-anders-wejryd- considers-europe2019s-many-aspects-in-convention-talk

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