elcome to the CSC Annual Report for 2008. At a time of serious economic difficulties and political challenges, it is good to reflect on the words of St Paul: “May you, in com- pany with all God’s people, be strong to grasp what is the Wbreadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love”. (Ephesians 3:18-19). 2008 was far from easy for Europe’s political institutions. On 12 June, the voters of Ireland rejected the Lisbon Treaty on the reform of the EU. The year ended with many European nations being affected by the economic recession. Yet the European integration process continues; agree- ment was reached for Slovakia to adopt the Euro at the start of 2009.

CSC’s work on addressing the challenge of climate change was high- lighted by the Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network, held in Milan, Italy, on 24- 28 September. This was al- so a major issue in dis- cussions between religious leaders and the Presidents of the EU Institutions on Ms Anthea Cox Co-moderator 5 May in Brussels. CSC celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Univer- sal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 2008 and produced com- memorative postcards and bookmarks, which have been well received. In 2008 the integration between CEC and the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME) was for- mally agreed.

Looking ahead, 2009 will be a year of anniversaries. CEC will celebrate its 50th anniversary. CSC will also celebrate 10 years as part of CEC; the former European Ecumenical Commission for Church and Society was created 25 years ago; one of its founding streams, the Ecumenical Association, even dates back to 1959. 2009 will also mark the next CEC Assembly, to be held in Lyon, France, 15-21 July, with the theme “Called to one hope in Christ”. The above only gives the briefest introduction to the work of the CSC over the past year. Within this Annual Report there is a wealth of resources which we commit to you and which we hope provides interesting and stimulating reading.

Visit our website www.cec-kek.org

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 1 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 2 and Society Commission 2008

Rev. Rüdiger Noll CSC Director and Associate General Secretary of CEC The year 2009 will also s in previous years, the ment and also contributed to the Coun- Annual Report of the cil of Europe White Book on Intercul- be a decisive year Church and Society Com- tural Dialogue. The year also proved to for the European mission of the Conference be important in setting the scene and of European Churches in negotiating targets for addressing cli- integration process A (CEC) provides an overview of the mate change. Commission’s work in 2008 and, as usu- Towards the end of the year, how- al, some areas of work are highlighted. ever, the magnitude of the financial and 2008 was announced as the “Euro- economic crisis became ever more ev- pean Year for Intercultural Dialogue” ident and dominated the public debate. and the Church and Society Commis- The Central Committee of the Confer- sion of CEC organised several events ence of European Churches, meeting on the topic in the European Parlia- in Cyprus in November 2008, adopted a public statement on the financial and Assembly in Lyon (July 2009) will adopt economic crisis, insisting on the ethi- the work priorities for the years 2009 cal dimension. One article in this An- to 2015. The Assembly, under the title nual Report looks at the social dimen- “Called to one hope in Christ”, will also sion of the crisis. review CEC as a fellowship of churches, More than ever before, this Annual in order to strengthen it as an effective Report does not only look back. As in- instrument for the dialogue into the fu- dicated by its title, this Annual Report ture. An important dimension for this also looks forward towards the chal- dialogue remains the ever growing uni- lenges ahead of us. The financial and ty and fellowship among the churches economic crisis, as well as climate across different confessions and con- change and intercultural dialogue, will texts, but also the common witness of remain dominant issues in 2009. the churches in society. As the European Union commits it- The year 2009 will also be a deci- self to an “open, transparent and regu- sive year for the European integration lar dialogue” with the churches and the process, for the European Union and communities of faith and conviction for the Conference of European Chur- (as it does with the organisations of civ- ches. European citizens are invited to il society), the churches themselves are elect a new European Parliament, which challenged to establish ever more ef- will subsequently elect a new European fective mechanisms of dialogue among Commission. For the elections of the themselves and with the European in- European Parliament, the ecumenical stitutions in order to make the com- organisations based in Brussels have mon voice of the churches continuous- published a brochure, in which the is- ly heard in Europe. sues highlighted in this Report also play an important role. (cf. www.ecumeni At the Assembly in Lyon, CEC will calvoices2009.eu). Furthermore, 2009 celebrate its 50th anniversary – a good will also be a decisive year for the fu- occasion for looking back, but mainly ture of the Lisbon Treaty, which intends to look forward. The Assembly will set to pave the way for deepening and en- the future priorities and elect the new larging the European Union. governing bodies. Following the As- For the Conference of European sembly, a new Church and Society Churches and its Church and Society Commission will be established. There- Commission the year 2009 will be of fore, we wish to thank at this stage all special importance, because the CEC CEC member churches for their ongo- ing commitment to the work of CEC and its Church and Society Commis- sion and we want to also express our gratitude to all those who have con- tributed to the work of the Church and Society Commission as members of the Commission, its Executive Committee and of its Working Groups, Task -Forces and Think-Tanks. It was the contribu- tions of member churches and their re- presentatives that on so many occasions made it possible for the common voice of the churches to be heard.

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 3 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 4 and Society Commission 2008 Growing in Unity and The churches and the European Institutions

n 2009, the Conference of Euro- menical Commission for Church and democracy, human rights, the rule of pean Churches (CEC) celebrates its Society (EECCS) in 1999 (another an- law, prosperity and the well-being of 50th anniversary. In the Preamble to niversary to be celebrated), the com- people. To that effect, the member states the Constitution of CEC it is stated: mon witness of the churches has not of the European Union have transferred I“The Conference of European Chur- only been directed towards societies, but a number of competences to the Union. ches is an ecumenical fellowship of also towards the European Institutions churches in Europe”, which “seeks to and the political organisations with their As the President of the European grow in the fellowship (koinonia) of specific agendas. Commission, José Manuel Barroso, af- faith, hope and love. Faithful to this firmed in his address to the European Gospel, they also seek to make a com- The European Institutions and the Ecumenical Assembly, the churches have mon contribution to the mission of the European political organisations (the played and are still playing an impor- Church to the safeguarding of life and European Union, the Council of Europe, tant role in the process of European in- the well-being of all humankind.” the OSCE) have played and are still play- tegration: “The European Commission ing an important role in shaping Eu- has always been attentive to the en- Since the very beginning of CEC, rope. Interestingly enough, they have gagement of the Christian churches, and at its founding Assembly in Nyborg borrowed language from the churches in particular to the Conference of Euro- (Denmark) in 1959, growing in unity to describe their model of unity as a pean Churches, which since the begin- and growing in the churches’ common “unity in its diversity” (Preamble to the ning have accompanied and encouraged witness in society have belonged to- Draft Treaty Establishing a Constitution the big adventure of the European con- gether. Since the inte- for Europe), a formulation which, how- struction”. Given the churches’ specifici- gration of CEC and ever, was replaced in the Lisbon Treaty ty and their special contribution, the Eu- the European Ecu- by “creating an ever closer union among ropean Union has committed itself to the people of Europe”. The European In- an “open, transparent and regular dia- We (the churches) commit stitutions were established ourselves to seek agreement to foster reconciliation, with one another on the substance and goals of our social responsibility, and to represent in concert, as far as possible, the concerns and visions of the churches vis-à-vis the secular European institutions in Common Witness

logue” with the churches and the or- The commitment to an “open, gration process always had the common ganisations of faith and conviction. (cf. transparent and regular dialogue”, faith of the churches as their basis. Ob- Art 17 of the Lisbon Treaty) however, also posed a challenge to the viously, the unity of the churches and churches, especially to an ecumenical their common witness vis-à-vis the Eu- Art. 17 of the Lisbon Treaty chal- fellowship of churches like CEC. In or- ropean institutions are two sides of the lenges the European Institutions, in con- der to make the churches’ voice heard same coin and have to go hand in hand. sultation with the churches, to find the on the European level, the Charta Oec- It is, therefore, important that the chur- appropriate “structures” for this dialogue umenica states: “We (the churches) com- ches continue to reflect on models of to become ever more fruitful. A study mit ourselves to seek agreement with their unity in order to strengthen their commissioned by the Church and So- one another on the substance and goals common witness. The conciliar process ciety Commission evaluates the exist- of our social responsibility, and to rep- for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of ing and well-established structures for resent in concert, as far as possible, the Creation provided one model, while this dialogue, including the annual concerns and visions of the churches vis- some churches seem to favour a “chur- “Summits” with the Presidents of the Eu- à-vis the secular European institutions.” ches together” model, in which the ecu- ropean Institutions, the regular thematic Which “structures” and which models menical fellowship of churches is rather dialogue seminars, meetings with the of dialogue among the churches and asked to provide "only" a platform for Presidencies of the European Union on within the ecumenical fellowship foster exchange with different coalitions of the day-to-day working level. But which a common voice of the churches? In re- some churches addressing the European additional elements for the dialogue sponse to this question, it is evident that Institutions. need to be put in place? How can the the unity of the churches and the ever existing structures be improved? growing fellowship of churches are an The 50th anniversary of CEC important prerequisite. The contribu- and its 13th Assembly in Lyon (Ju- tions of CEC and its Church and Socie- ly 2009) will provide an important ty Commission to the European inte- opportunity for further reflection on these issues in order for the spiritual heritage of Christianity to remain an empowering source of inspiration and enrichment for Europe. (Charta Oecu- menica)

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 5 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 6 and Society Commission 2008 The Real Challenge

n 2008, the themes of environment and climate change resonated strong- ly in the European institutions as well as in society as a whole, including Ichurches. EU leaders adopted the energy/cli- mate package at their summit in De- cember. The package was described by the President of the European Com- mission already in its initial stage as the ‘most far-reaching set of legislative pro- posals to be made by the European Commission for many years... [Europe] will show how a modern economy can be designed to meet the challenge [of climate change]. This is sustainable de- velopment in action’. Nevertheless, the package was high- ly disputed at the meeting of the EU leaders as well as in the period imme- diately beforehand. The major reasons for that were the impacts of the global financial and economic crisis, as well as the question of burden sharing among the EU Member States. The final ver- sion maintains the original target: 20 percent reduction of carbon emissions, 20 percent improvement in energy ef- ficiency and 20 percent share of re- going to reach its targets by domestic In responding to the challenges of newable energies - all by 2020. cuts have been central points of many climate change, the Assembly conclud- Although by this decision, the EU critical comments including those com- ed that it was impossible to explain cli- was able to make a major step forward ing from churches. mate change only by natural forces. Ef- in effectively responding to the chal- fective tackling of climate change can lenge of climate change, it also caused Delegates of the churches met in only be done by strong, coordinated and widespread disillusionment among 2008 at the 7th Assembly of the Euro- immediate action of individuals and so- many environmentally concerned pean Christian Environmental Network ciety, including action of national gov- groups, who were expecting much more. (ECEN). The Assembly was held in Tri- ernments and international institutions. Criticism is mostly oriented not at the uggio near Milan, Italy, under the theme, The Assembly underlined that the time final targets, but at how the targets are “The real challenge of climate change”, to act was now! going to be achieved. Concerns about building upon the role ECEN played in The concerns of the environmental overuse of emissions trading mecha- the 3rd European Ecumenical Assem- movement provide many opportunities nisms and the fact that the EU is not bly in Sibiu. for a witness to our Christian faith. From of Climate Change

The results of the joint CSC and CCME internal consultation process – close to 70 responses – indicated how seriously intercultural dialogue is taken within their constituencies

a Christian perspective, acting against The roots of human destruction of with the world that is not purely utili- climate change makes sense as a sign – the environment are to be found not just tarian and market-based. What is need- a sign that Christ, the Word of God, in actions, but in our most deep-seated ed is a shift in dominant consumer so- comes into the world to give life and not attitudes. It is not enough for humans cieties to simpler lifestyles and to macro death, and our appointed task is to to stay alive by consuming the world changes in politics and economics. preach this good news to all creation. around them; they need a relationship It is imperative that the EU commit- ments, no matter how appreciated they are, must not be achieved through off- setting emissions: significant cuts of greenhouse gas emissions have to be achieved through efforts here and now. The challenge of climate change is an invitation to intensify action by many churches across the continent.

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 7 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 8 and Society Commission 2008 Europe’s Social Reality:

Being able to cope with risk eel-Good and Feel-Bad Fac- is essential in today’s society tors. In the second half of the year 2008, EU’s Public Opin- and, for those unable to cope, ion Analysis saw an out- it is necessary for public Fstanding shift in European public opinion from an economic ‘feel- authorities to ensure good factor’, illustrating the extended they are guaranteed impact of the highly positive short-term economic expectations, to an econom- sufficient support ic ‘feel-bad factor’ with the economic crisis being the main driver of Euro- peans’ perceptions and opinions. The www.cec-kek.org/pdf/CSC_ world faces a crisis that CCMEresponseEuropesSocialReali some describe as the ty.pdf worst of the industrial era, and Europeans are seriously worried about its consequences. The situation was very much dif- ferent at the beginning of 2008: At that time the “well-being” of Eu- rope’s citizens was in the focus of attention of the EU’s report on “Eu- rope’s Social Reality and a New So- cial Vision for 21st Century Europe”. CSC, together with partner organ- isations, had contributed to the pub- lic consultation which preceded the report, already pointing out that “risks and perceived risks greatly affect the well-being of the individual – risk of poverty, of losing peace and security, of losing jobs, of losing a secure status, of losing out on opportunities. Risk shapes individuals’ – and families’ – outlook on their future prospects... Therefore, being able to cope with risk is essential in today’s society and, for those unable to cope, it is necessary for public authorities to ensure they are guaranteed sufficient support.” Life in a Risk Society

Well-being. From a Christian per- inclusion and in the preparation of the spective, well-being does not only de- European Year 2010 for Combating pend on economic factors. It necessar- Poverty and Social Exclusion. The chur- ily includes other spiritual, relational, ches in Europe supported the European ethical dimensions. Looking back on Commission’s intention to come to a 2008, advocating for a more holistic pol- holistic active inclusion strategy - link- icy approach to Europe’s economic and ing income support, active employment social policies was a common concern policies, education and access to qual- of CSC’s manifold activities. ity services: “A just so- Three examples. ciety must enable as In February 2008, CSC together with many people as possi- CCME and the European Contact ble to recognise their Group (ECG), held a Consultation on individual talents, to “Employment and the Churches in Eu- develop them, and to rope”, including a Dialogue Seminar use them productive- with the European Commission. On the ly for themselves and eve of the meeting of the Council of the for others. A just soci- European Union on Employment, So- ety thus invests as cial Policy, Health and Consumer Af- much as possible in fairs, representatives and experts from extending people’s the Churches in Europe discussed with ability to organise the European institutions the mod- their own lives and to ernisation of European employment enhance its dimen- policies. The Churches stressed that sions of social concern work is not only a production factor, and economic activity but an important element of human for all.” dignity. To be able to work helps people to build up self-esteem, to be creative, Social Peace in a Crisis Situation. to contribute to society and to partici- To overcome the current economic cri- pate in social life. sis, much will depend on the capacity of In autumn 2008, CSC together with people to cope with risks and to co-op- COMECE engaged in the introduction erate in mutual support. For the chur- of Sunday as a weekly day of rest in the ches, caring for those who are in need revised Working Time Directive, asking and advocating for those www.cec-kek.org/pdf/CSC_ the European institutions to respect the who have no voice is a CCMEresponseactiveinclusion.pdf need of people to enjoy family life, meet constitutive part of their friends and to establish and maintain work for the well-being of social ties. “Only free time shared with people in Europe. Doing others gives human beings in their re- so means translating the biblical un- lationships to others their full dignity.” derstanding of peace in society At the same time, CSC engaged in (shalom) into current social and eco- the EU’s consultation process on active nomic policies.

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 9 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 10 and Society Commission 2008 Europe needs

n the European Year of Intercul- “The peaceful coexistence tural Dialogue (2008), CSC togeth- of cultures and religions er with COMECE and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), in associ- – both in the EU and its Iation with Muslim partners, organ- relations with peoples ised four “Islam, Christianity and Eu- rope” seminars. The seminars, hosted in all parts of the world – by the European Parliament, discussed is of the utmost importance some of the burning issues of contem- porary Europe in relation to religion. for our shared future” “Intercultural dialogue: response to Hans-Gert Pöttering, which problems? Christian and Muslim President of the European perspectives” (17 April) stressed the im- Parliament portance of intercultural dialogue as a way to foster social cohesion in Europe. The seminar concluded that the main challenge for intercultural and inter-re- ligious dialogues is to involve those who in the first place object to dialogue. On 29 May, some hundred people from the European institutions and NGOs or representing religious com- munities and the academic world gath- ered for a dialogue on “the visibility of religion in the European public space”. The construction of mosques and the and as missionary churches. The sem- the dominant side as an argument not wearing of veils have sparked debate inar made it clear that there are no re- to grant Muslims their full freedom of about freedom of religion, acceptance ligious reasons that would justify Chris- religion in Europe. The understanding of change, respect for difference, rela- tians and Muslims mistreating one an- of reciprocity by those Christian par- tions between different religious com- other. It also highlighted that Islam and ticipants who defended the use of the munities and the relationship between Christianity have much more in com- notion was different. Reciprocity should the religious and the secular worlds. mon than is often recognised, includ- not mean retaliation but be embedded The seminar of 3 July discussed the ing common roots, values and concerns, in the ‘Silver Rule’ (“Do not do to others place of Muslims in Europe, where like social justice. as you would not have them do to you”), many people fear Islam, and that fear The seminar of 11 September looked as well as in the ‘Golden Rule’ (“Do un- must be taken seriously and challenged. at “the external relations of the Euro- to others as you would wish them to do According to Metropolitan Emmanuel pean Union with Muslim countries and unto you”). of France, who expressed the Christian international responsibility of religious The seminars contributed to a re- view on the theme, for churches to communities”. The concept of reciproc- sponse to a relativist secular liberalism come to terms with Islam requires a re- ity raised major concerns among Mus- that rejects the existence of a religious flection on their mission as churches lims, who felt it tended to be used by truth, and sought to advocate a plural- intercultural dialogue

“Engaging in constructive dialogue with people of different faiths and convictions is a key element of intercultural dialogue” Jan Figel, Commissioner for Education and Culture

ist liberalism which allows the public Council of Europe has established an an- sharing of values, including religious nual meeting where it invites repre- ones. These values represent the foun- sentatives from religious communities dation of a dialogue which is a source to discuss educational issues. This meet- of hope for our multicultural societies. ing will take place for the second time in spring 2009. CSC was asked by the The Council of Europe’s White Pa- Council of Europe to contribute to the per on Intercultural Dialogue. 2008 organisation of the meeting and to ap- was a very active year in the field of in- proach the CEC member churches in tercultural dialogue. The Council of Eu- terms of identifying the churches’ re- rope adopted and published the “White presentatives. The CSC of CEC is also Paper on Intercultural Dialogue”, as a active through the Conference of Non- tool to manage Europe’s increasing cul- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), tural diversity. It highlights the impor- one of the four pillars of the Council of tance of the religious dimension of the Europe, in carrying out intercultural and intercultural dialogue. Therefore, the inter-religious initiatives in society.

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 11 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 12 and Society Commission 2008 In Brief Churches and Socially- Commission of CEC, the Amers- process of globalisation as well seen as a threat to our humani- Responsible Investment. foort-based organisation, Oiko- as the paradigm of economic ty? Is it an alternative ‘religion’ There has been a substantial in- credit, and the Evangelical- competition must be guided by which is simply misguided be- crease in European churches’ Lutheran Church of Finland. social and environmental crite- cause it profoundly misunder- commitment to socially-respon- Over 70 participants from ria. We are then often asked for stands our humanity? Will it sible investment (SRI) in recent churches and church-related an alternative. The conference provoke a deep division years. This influences the stew- agencies as well as expert in Brussels has clearly shown between haves and have-nots? ardship of church resources organisations from 20 countries that churches committed to so- Should we reject some possibili- (such as pension funds) as well reflected on the churches’ theo- cially-responsible investment ties while accepting others? as the promotion of the idea in logical approaches, criteria for provide an effective alternative, The CSC Working Group on principle. Through SRI churches socially-responsible investment on which we have to build Bioethics and Biotechnology is and best practices. The partici- much more in the future.” finalising a paper on these is- pants discussed with organisa- sues, drawing upon insights in- tions that screen investment Modified Humans? Human to human nature, into human funds with regard to their social enhancement refers to the grad- use of science and technology and environmental as well as ual convergence of a range of and into the ultimate questions their business performance. Im- technologies, some of them on of human destiny and eternity. portant insights were also pre- a very small scale - so-called CSC also started ethical re- sented by existing church-relat- NBIC convergence of Nanotech- flections on non-biomedical is- ed networks, which have long- nologies, Bio- and Information sues linked to Science and standing experience in promot- technologies, and the Cognitive Technology like Information ing and supporting SRI. Many sciences. Some claim that some and Communication Technolo- participants felt that the confer- techniques could eventually en- gy, and Nanotechnologies. ence had given them new able humans to live longer, to insights and had motivated become stronger, smarter, hap- Growing cooperation on ed- them to invest more in SRI. pier and fairer. Much of the talk ucational issues. In nearly all Further details and background is about developments that are countries in Europe, teaching can make a difference under papers are available on the CEC still technically in the far future, about religion is part of public market conditions towards just, website. but since some things will be education. In many of them, sustainable and participatory Summarising the conference, possible, there is a need to con- churches are deeply involved in societies. Rev. Rüdiger Noll, Director of sider the ethical, social and the education system. Churches A conference on churches and the Church and Society Com- spiritual dimensions of what have an engagement with for- socially-responsible investment mission, said: “As an ecumeni- raises most profound mal education and make a ma- was held in Brussels on 6 and 7 cal organisation of churches re- philosophical, theological and jor contribution to non-formal May. It was jointly organised by lating to the European institu- moral questions. Is it to be em- education across Europe. the Church and Society tions, we have stressed that the braced with enthusiasm, or While the way in which reli-

Oikocredit Oikocredit was Oikocredit is an established to provide ethical investment churches and church- cooperative society, related organisations which finances with an investment income-generating instrument, to serve projects in developing the interests of the countries benefiting poor. It has offices in It has a remarkable Churches and Socially 1968, considered the disadvantaged and 35 countries; the head repayment rate. Less Responsible issue, which marginalised people. office is in than 1% had be Investment in May eventually led to the It encourages Amersfoort, the written off annually 2008. creation of the investors to invest Netherlands. on the outstanding The roots of Oikocredit Oikocredit Ecumenical their funds in a Oikocredit gives loans portfolio over the past lie in the social gospel Development socially responsible rather than donations. three years. of the World Council Cooperative Society in manner. Oikocredit worked of Churches. The 1975. Website: closely with CSC in co- General Assembly of www.oikocredit.org hosting a conference the WCC, meeting in in Brussels on Uppsala, Sweden, in gious education is organised in for Christian Education (IV) of European Churches joined public schools and the role of and other partner organisations the celebration of the 60th an- the churches within it is to develop this commitment. niversary of the Universal Dec- contested, with the growing im- laration of Human Rights portance of intercultural CSC starts Gender Training. (UDHR) on 10 December 2008 dialogue, religion is increasingly Gender issues are of growing (Human Rights Day). back in the public sphere. The importance within CSC. How To mark this anniversary European institutions have a have these issues been CSC produced a specific post- supportive competence in the approached in 2008? The Com- card and a bookmark, which field of education. Education mission is committed to gender contains a prayer following the and lifelong learning are recog- equality, which means the equal articles of the UDHR. nised as important means for visibility, empowerment and The Church and Society promoting shared values, inter- participation of both sexes in all Commission invited the chur- cultural dialogue and active Eu- the spheres of public and pri- ches to observe this ropean citizenship. In 2008 the vate life, and supports those ac- anniversary by using these Council of Europe organised a tions of the European institu- cards and distributing them in meeting with religious commu- tions which lead to gender their constituency, celebrating nities about religion in educa- equality in society. At the ecu- the 60th anniversary of the Uni- tion that contributes to demo- menical level, CSC is a member versal Declaration by reaffirm- cratic citizenship, human rights of the Gender Advisory Group ing our ongoing commitment and intercultural dialogue. The of CEC which is making prepa- to human rights. On this occa- exchange will be continued in rations for a future gender desk. sion, churches were invited to 2009. In addition the European During 2008 the CSC team has pray for those who need Commission organised a dia- become more gender balanced. human rights’ protection. logue seminar with CEC and The staff is indeed aware of the Human Rights Campaign in So far, the Human Rights COMECE on the Green Paper challenges this may bring and is 2008. The Conference of Euro- Prayer has been translated into on Migration and Mobility. organising a gender training pean Churches has a long- 9 languages. If it is not yet Thus the importance of the course as a teambuilding meas- standing record of being translated into your language churches engaging with the Eu- ure. The first such training involved in promoting human and you are willing to do so, ropean institutions about edu- course will take place in spring rights. As Christians, we be- please contact the Human cation is growing. CSC is there- 2009. lieve that God’s creation of hu- Rights Secretary on eki@cec- fore continuing to strengthen man beings in His own image kek.be. For more information the collaboration with the In- and likeness constitutes the about our human rights work, tereuropean Commission on dignity of each individual. please visit: www.cec-kek. Church and School (ICCS) and The Church and Society org/content/human_rights.sht the International Association Commission of the Conference ml.

The European The Church and significant five years, which may Union Agency Society Commission contribution to the be extended once for for welcomed the FRA 2009 Work a period of not more inauguration of the Programme and to the than three years. Fundamental European Union follow-up process of The Church and Rights (FRA), Agency for FRA’s Annual Report Society Commission of a new CSC Fundamental Rights 2008. Further CEC is looking forward European (on 1 March 2007), cooperation will be to a close cooperation partner which was formerly continued through the with FRA and will called the European Society Commission of future cooperation. active work of the contribute to FRA’s Monitoring Centre on CEC met with Mr. John CSC welcomed FRA’s Platform. work with its own Racism and Kellock, FRA’s Head of Multi-Annual Mr. Morten Kjaerum expertise. Xenophobia (EUMC). Unit for Framework (2007- from Denmark has The CSC On 20 May 2008, the Communication and 2012). In autumn been appointed as the correspondence with Working Group on External Relations. The 2008, CSC became a new Director of the FRA can be found on: Human Rights and international group of member of the EU FRA. He took up his www.cec-kek.org Religious Freedom of experts discussed a Fundamental Rights post on 1 June 2008. /content/ human_ the Church and common agenda for Platform and made a His term of office is rights.shtml

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 13 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 14 and Society Commission 2008 CSC goes public

January Event Report on “Intercultural dialogue: November Press release: EU Commissioner Orban response to which problems? Christian CSC Briefing Paper on the religious meets young Romanian volunteers and Muslim perspectives” dimension of the European Year of from CEC Intercultural Dialogue May Press release: Socially-responsible Press release: Religion in the public investment: churches bridging the gap sphere – legal challenges and trends between mere market forces and social justice Press release: Churches to contribute to shaping a Europe of values: CEC Presidium met in Brussels Event Report on “Visibility of religion in February the European public space: the CSC-CCME-ED Response to Europe’s question of worship places and religious symbols in clothing” Social Reality Paper Press release: Church representatives CSC-CCME Response to consultation on meet the French EU Presidency active inclusion Press release: European Churches meet the Slovenian EU Presidency

June Press release: CSC of CEC comments on EU Draft Paper on organ donation and transplantation July December Event Report on “‘Christian Europe’ and CSC Briefing Paper on the Council of Press release: Churches encourage the EU Islam in Europe” Europe White Paper on Intercultural towards a much broader approach to CSC Guide on EU Presidencies Dialogue employment policies - Dialogue with Press release: European Churches EU Commissioners Jan Figel and September celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Vladimir Spidla Event Report on “The external relations Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the European Union with Muslim Press release: Churches and the European March countries and international Commission discuss challenges facing CSC Briefing Paper on climate change responsibility of religious the educational systems in an CSC Report on the Treaty of Lisbon communities” intercultural context Press release: Churches can contribute to April reducing the impact of climate change CSC Briefing Paper on Intercultural by proposing new lifestyles Dialogue within the European Union Final Statement of ECEN Assembly: “The Press release: CSC of CEC committed to real challenge of climate change – an promote mutual respect and tolerance appeal to Churches” in Europe Press release: CSC of CEC discusses intercultural dialogue and future work at its Plenary meeting in Prague Press release: CSC of CEC welcomes the creation of the EU’s Peace-Building Partnership CSC main events

January May September Brainstorming meeting on Globalisation Meeting with the President of the Bioethics brainstorming meeting (Bern) European Commission, José Manuel (Strasbourg) Barroso (Brussels) 4th seminar on Islam, Christianity and February Churches along the Rhine Conference on Europe (Brussels) Meeting with Police chaplains from Islam and Gender Issues (Strasbourg) Germany, France and Switzerland at 7th ECEN Assembly (Milan) the Council of Europe (Strasbourg) Conference on Corporate Social Visiting Group from Pfalz (Strasbourg) Responsibility (Brussels) Visit of the Church of Scotland Moderator, Rt Revd Sheilagh Kesting Meeting with the EU Agency for October (Brussels) Fundamental Rights (Vienna) Visiting group (Seurakuntaopisto) from Finland (Brussels) Meeting with Slovenian Presidency of the Meeting with Churches from future EU EU (Ljubljana) Presidency countries (Höör, Sweden) Visiting group from the Stockholm diocese (Brussels) Seminar on employment and the Brainstorming Meeting on Family churches in Europe, including dialogue Policies (Brussels) Visiting group from Evangelische seminar with the EU (Brussels) Akademie im Rheinland on peace & security issues (Brussels) March Annual Meeting of Church and Society Meeting with the Council of Europe Secretaries (Leuven, Belgium) Ambassadors from Nordic-Baltic countries (Strasbourg) November Visiting group from the Inter-religious April Council of Macedonia (Brussels) Visiting group of pastors from the Church 2nd seminar on Islam, Christianity and Europe (Brussels) Visit of the Church of Sweden of Westphalia (Brussels) communication officers (Brussels) June Consultation on Religion in the Public Meeting of Religious Visit of a delegation from the Diocese of Sphere (Brussels) Oxford (Brussels) Communities with Meeting with the French Presidency the Council of Visit of UK Churches Legislation (Paris) Europe (Strasbourg) Advisory Service (Brussels) CSC fact-finding mission to Montenegro CSC Plenary Meeting Meeting with All-Africa Conference of (Podgorica) in Prague, Czech Churches, incl. meeting with French Republic Counsellor for Africa (Paris) Churches and the EU Presidencies Visit of Europe Secretaries of German (Prague) Landeskirchen (Brussels) Meeting with Human Rights Experts in Visit of Romanian church delegation the Council of Europe (Strasbourg) (Brussels) 1st seminar on Islam, Christianity and Europe (Brussels) July Panel discussion on Agriculture Visit of the Communications Department (Brussels) of the Church of Sweden (Brussels) December 3rd seminar on Islam, Christianity and Meeting with French Presidency Europe (Brussels) (Brussels) Meeting with Jean-Pierre Jouyet of the Visit of the Church of Sweden and French Government (Paris) Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland leadership (Brussels) August Dialogue Seminar with the EU on quality CEC-CSC Visit to Armenia and Georgia education in an intercultural environment (Brussels)

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 15 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 16 and Society Commission 2008 The Church and Society

The Commissiont Ms Anita Henslin* Dr. Charles Reed Mr Jean-Jacques Fritz Evangelical-Lutheran Church Church of England European Parliament Rev. Alfredo Abad Heras of Latvia Fr. George (Ryabykh)* Mr Mario Heinrich Spanish Protestant Church Archimandrite Arsenios (co-moderator) Council of Europe Rev. Dr. Zoltan Bona Kardamakis Russian Orthodox Church Dr Jean-Gustave Hentz Reformed Church in Hungary Ecumenical Patriarchate of Rev. Dr. David Sinclair Church of the Augsburg Kirchenrat Joachim Brandt Constantinople (until April) Confession in Alsace and Strasbourg Beirat M. Mag. Katerina Karkala- Church of Scotland Lorraine Ms Anthea Cox* Zorba* Rev. Hana Tonzarova Rev. KR’in Susanne Labsch (CSC co-moderator since Church of Greece (*since April) Church of Baden April) Prof. Dr. Ulrich Körtner Czechoslovak Hussite Church Mr Halvor Lervik British Methodist Church Evangelical Church of the LKR Hermann Wischmann Council of Europe Rev. OKR'in Dine Fecht- Augsburg Confession in Evangelical Church in Germany Rev. Enno Strobel Stuckenschmidt Austria * Members of the Executive Committee (moderator) Evangelical Church in Archimandrite Hovakim Reformed Church of Alsace- Germany. Vardges Manukyan Strasbourg Beiratt Lorraine Prof. Karsten Fledelius Armenian Apostolic Church Evangelical-Lutheran Church Rev. Dr. Lennart Molin President Claudia Bandixen Stafft of Denmark Mission Covenant Church of Reformed Church of Aargau Sweden/Christian Council of Rev. Rüdiger Noll Rev. Serge Fornerod Kirchenrat Joachim Brandt Director, Brussels Federation of Swiss Protestant Sweden Evangelical Church in the Churches Rev. Evert Overeem Rhineland Ms Véronique Dessart Support Staff, Brussels Rev. Prof. Alexandru Protestant Church in the President Jean-François Gabriel Gherasim Netherlands Collange Ms Elina Eloranta Romanian Orthodox Church Ms Lidia Palac Church of the Augsburg Executive Secretary, Brussels Rev. Gunnar Grönblom* Evangelical Church of the Confession in Alsace and Ms Véronique Engels Evangelical-Lutheran Church Augsburg Confession in Poland Lorraine Support Staff, Brussels of Finland Rev. Tony Peck Decan Rudolf Ehrmantraut Rev. Richard Fischer Rev. OKR’in Antje Heider- European Baptist Federation Church of Palatinate Executive Secretary, Rottwilm* Ms Françoise Prager- Mr Serge Fornerod Strasbourg (co-moderator until April ) Bouyala Federation of Swiss Protestant OKR’in Katrin Hatzinger Evangelical Church in French Protestant Federation Churches (as of May) Associate Staff, Germany EKD Office Brussels Commission of CEC

Welcome to Canon Dr. Gary Wilton and OKR’in Katrin Hatzinger

Rev. Dr. Dieter Heidtmann Two associate staff members joined CSC Working Group on Bioethics. CSC co-moderator at the Plenary Executive Secretary, Brussels the CSC staff in 2008. Canon Dr. Gary She studied at the Faculty of Law of meeting in Järvenpää in May 1999. Ms Elizabeta Kitanovic Wilton, the Church of England the University of Bielefeld and She took up a new position Executive Secretary, Brussels Representative to the EU and Canon specialised in European law. She developing a new ecumenical centre Ms Lois Hough-Stewart of the Pro-Cathedral of Holy Trinity, passed her second state exam at the in the HafenCity Hamburg. During Support Staff, Brussels Brussels, is associate staff of CEC in District Court of Duisburg, Germany. the Plenary meeting in Prague all Ms Marie-Madeleine Linck Brussels working with CSC mainly Before joining the EKD Brussels participants, members of the Support Staff, Strasbourg on issues related to climate change. office as legal counsellor in 2003, Commission and staff, warmly He works in co-operation with Rev. Ms Carla Maurer she worked in the administration of thanked Rev. Heider-Rottwilm for Executive Secretary, Dr. Peter Pavlovic, the Secretary of the employment centre in Duisburg her work and dedication. She Strasbourg the European Christian and as a freelance radio journalist responded saying, “I have Environmental Network (ECEN), as Rev. John Murray for the WDR in Cologne. enormously enjoyed my eleven Associate Staff, Anglican well as with other member churches years working with CEC on behalf of Chaplaincy, of CEC. Prior to his appointment Welcome to the new Co-moderator the EKD. The chance to contribute Strasbourg, France Gary Wilton was Head of Post- of CSC Anthea Cox. Anthea Cox is a towards building reconciliation Rev. Dr. Peter Pavlovic Graduate Studies in Theology & Methodist Local Preacher and amongst the peoples of Europe has Study Secretary, Brussels Religious Studies at the Church of provides consultancy and advice been a great privilege and England University of York St John. regarding churches, human rights challenge. The work towards Rev. Matthew Ross He was previously Associate Executive Secretary, Brussels and social justice. She is currently European integration – and Principal at Church Army’s College in researching the relationship particularly the importance of Vikar Martin Schuster Sheffield and in parish ministry in (until June), Intern, Brussels between the churches in Europe and Europe’s churches strengthening Bath & Wells Diocese. Gary’s first international human rights law. dialogue with the European political Ms Charlotte Vander Borght degree was in Economics and Until recently Anthea was a senior institutions – remains a crucial Accountant, Brussels Politics. leader for the Social Justice policies agenda item of the churches.” OKR’in Sabine von Zanthier of the Methodist Church in Britain. (until May) Since May 2008, Katrin Hatzinger She is a former Labour City Welcome to Hana Tonzarova. Rev. Associate Staff, EKD Office has been the new Director of the Councillor and founder of a leading OKR’in Antje Heider-Rottwilm’s Brussels Brussels office of the Evangelical social enterprise, Goldhay Arts. departure left a vacancy in the CSC Canon Dr. Gary Wilton Church in Germany (EKD). Katrin is Executive Committee. We are Associate Staff, Church of associate staff of CEC and Secretary Farewell to OKR’in Antje Heider- delighted that CSC member Rev. England, Brussels of the CSC Working Group on EU Rottwilm. Rev. Antje Heider- Hana Tonzarova (of the Czechoslovak legislation. Moreover she is a regular Rottwilm (Evangelical Church in Hussite Church) has agreed to return participant in the meetings of the Germany, EKD) was elected as the to serve as a member.

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 17 and Society Commission 2008 18 and SocietyCommission2008 Annual Report Religion inthePublicSphere

Working Groups of theChurch and working group members Romanian Orthodox Church Dr. Stefan-Ioan Stratul Netherlands Council of Churches inthe (moderator) Prof. Schroten Egbert Churches inItaly Federation of Protestant Prof. Anna Rollier Slovak Republic Augsburg Confession inthe Evangelical Church of the Masarovicova Prof. Dr. Elena Lorraine Confession inAlsace and Church of theAugsburg Prof. Karsten Lehmkühler Churches Federation of Swiss Protestant Dr. Mireille Jemelin Russian Orthodox Church Rev. Anton Ilin Germany Evangelical Church in Dr. Andrea Dörries 2007) October (until July 2007-co-opted since Church of Scotland Dr. Donald Bruce Church of Greece Prof. Stavros Baloyannis of Denmark Evangelical-Lutheran Church Prof. Svend Andersen of Finland Evangelical-Lutheran Church Rev. Kirsti Aalto Biotechnology on Bioethics& Working Group of Denmark Evangelical-Lutheran Church Dr. Christoffersen Lisbet on EU legislation Working Group Germany Evangelical Church in Prof. Dr. Stotz Rüdiger Germany Evangelical Church in Prof. Dr. Gerhard Robbers in Poland Evangelical-Reformed Church Dr. Joanna Mizgala Church of England (moderator) Prof. McClean David Church of Sweden Ms Maria Lundqvist-Norling Churches inItaly Federation of Protestant Prof. Gianni Long Slovak Republic Augsburg Confession inthe Evangelical Church of the Prof. Peter Kresak Dr of Finland Evangelical-Lutheran Church Rev. Gunnar Grönblom Greek Evangelical Church Dr. Altana Filos Rev. Peter Ciaccio Freedom and Religious on Human Rights Working Group Germany Evangelical Church in Dr. Anne-Ruth Wellert Czech Republic the Augsburg Confession inthe Silesian Evangelical Church of Dr. Daniel Spratek Church of Norway (co-moderator) Plesner Thorson Ms Ingvill European Baptist Federation Rev. Anthony Peck European Christian Women ForumEcumenical of Ms Anne Lagerstedt Austria Augsburg Confession in Evangelical Church of the Dr. Peter Krömer Church of Greece Prof. Krippas George Baptist Union of Denmark (co-moderator) Mr Ebbe Holm Romanian Orthodox Church GherasimGabriel Rev. Prof. Alexandru Russian Orthodox Church Mr Kirill Frolov Federation World Student Christian Working Group Working Group CSC Working Group Members on European on Peace, Security on Social Issues* of the CSC/CEC Integration and Reconciliation Ms Rita Bruvers Task Force Rev. Dr. Zoltan Bona Rev. Christine Busch Evangelical-Lutheran Church on Globalisation 2008 Reformed Church in Hungary Evangelical Church in of Latvia Dr. Milos Calda Rev. Dr. Elfriede Dörr Germany Rev OKR’in Cornelia Evangelical Church of Czech Evangelical Church of the Ms Paula Devejian Coenen-Marx Brethren Augsburg Confession in Armenian Apostolic Church Evangelical Church in Sr. Fotinia Romania Dr. Anette Månsson Germany Russian Orthodox Church Dr. David Gill Church of Sweden Ms Alison Jackson Ms. Anita Henslin Evangelical Church in Rev. Miklos Menessy British Methodist Church Evangelical-Lutheran Church Germany Ecumenical Association of (since 2008) of Latvia Mr William Jourdan Churches in Romania Mag. Martin Schenk Mr. Jaap Houtman Ecumenical Youth Council in Rev. David Mumford Evangelical Church of the United Protestant Church Europe Church and Peace Augsburg Confession in in Belgium Austria Mr Vakhtang Kipshidze Mr Georgy Roshchin Rev. Dr. Tamas Kodacsy Russian Orthodox Church Russian Orthodox Church Prof. Christina Vayas Reformed Church in Hungary Church of Greece Ms Zuzana Dvorakova Rev. Dr. Donald Watts Dr. Ulrich Moeller (until September 2008) (moderator) * Eurodiaconia suspended its participation (moderator) Ecumenical Council of in the Joint Social Policy Working Group in Presbyterian Church in Ireland January 2008. Evangelical Church Churches in the Czech in Germany Republic Dr. Kostas Zorbas Church of Greece Rev. Raag Rolfsen Ms Lena Kumlin LL.M Church of Norway (co-moderator) Mr. Rob van Drimmelen Evangelical-Lutheran Church Aprodev of Finland Archimandrite Ignatios Sotiriadis Church of Greece Rev. Peter Southcombe United Reformed Church in the United Kingdom Rev. Dr. George Tsetsis (co-moderator) Ecumenical Patriarchate

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 19 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 20 and Society Commission 2008 Our resources

inancially, 2008 was a more • Our campaign on the 60th Anniver- so, the Programmatic activities have challenging year for the sary of the Universal Declaration of been greatly supported by several Church and Society Com- Human Rights Member Churches and Agencies, over mission than recent years. • Conference on Churches and Socially and above their general contribution F Nevertheless, we are most Responsible Investment co-organ- to CEC. Correspondingly, some contri- grateful to everyone who has support- ised with Oikocredit and the Evan- butions from our Members have de- ed the work of the CSC and gratefully gelical Lutheran Church of Finland clined due to the current economic sit- record our thanks. • Conference for church lawyers on uation and this has affected our overall Religion in the Public Sphere income. Accordingly, CSC and CEC By agreement of the Central Com- • ECEN Assembly held in Italy with have had to draw on their own re- mittee of CEC the general CSC budget the active support of the Federation sources and reserves to cover the fi- for 2008 increased by 16% from 2007. of Protestant Churches in Italy nancial deficit. The actual figures increased by 15%. (FCEI). As announced in our previous An- On the level of Programmatic Activities nual Report the exact grant received (budgeted project by project) the high- On the income side, support from from the EACEA (Executive Agency Ed- er number of meetings led to a consid- Member Churches for ucation, Audiovisual and erable increase of expenditure and in- seconded staff has been Culture - Citizenship ) for come. The following can be noted: maintained faithfully the Europe Day within • Christians and Muslims in Europe and we wish to thank the Third European Ecu- (meeting held in Mechelen, October those churches who con- menical Assembly (6 sep- 2008, and follow-up in 2009) will tinue to make these ap- Europe Day co-financed by the European tember 2007) amounted Union within the “Europe for Citizens” partly be funded by EACEA. pointments possible. Al- programme 2007-2013 to 48.151,07 €.

EXPENSES 2008 RELATED TO WORK AREAS INCOME 2008

1% Gender Equality 1% Other income 15.754,20 2% Agriculture 6% Own funds 68.075,50 2% European integration 8% Association owners 101.867,20 2% EU Legislation 12% CEC general budget 153.700,00 2% Globalisation 16% Programmatic activities income 203.150,54 3% Corporate Social Resp 25% Seconded staff 322.185,00 3% Peace and reconciliation 32% Contribution Members and Associated members 412.477,56

3% Europe of Regions TOTAL INCOME 1.277.210,00 4% Education 4% Bioethics 4% Social Issues 5% Human Rights 7% Interreligious Dialogue 8% Association of owners 8% Environment 10% Communication 32% Management / Member churches relations

TOTAL EXPENSES 1.277.210,00 Plenary 2008

he 2008 Plenary of the “Churches in Europe and Intercul- In addressing the main themes, the Church and Society tural dialogue” was the main theme of plenary drew on the work of the Church Commission met in the plenary. A second main topic on the and Society Commission in recent years, Prague from 10 to 13 April agenda of 2008 was “Religion in the particularly its contribution to the de- T 2008 at the invitation of the Public Sphere”. “The Czech Republic bates on the role of religion and on in- European Baptist Federation, the was a very interesting context in which tercultural dialogue in the framework Ecumenical Council in the Czech to address both of CSC’s main themes of the European Union and the Council Republic and the seven CEC member for the year 2008,” said Rev. Rüdiger of Europe. churches in the Czech Republic. Noll, Director of the Church and Soci- Issues related to anti-discrimina- The 24 members of the ety Commission and Associate Gener- tion and human rights, peace and se- Commission and representatives al Secretary of CEC. “The Czech Re- curity, social issues, climate change and of partner organisations, met at the public is often referred to as one of the European integration were addressed. International Baptist Theological most secular countries in Europe and The Commission adopted its new work Seminary in Prague and reviewed recent legislation there seems to make programme for 2008/09 which high- the work done by the Commission it more difficult for churches to assume lights topics such as developments to- in the previous year. their public role and to offer their so- ward the implementation of the Lisbon cial services as churches”, he added. “We Treaty and preparations for the 2009 are grateful to the churches in the coun- CEC Assembly in Lyon, France (15-21 try, to the Ecumenical Council in the July 2009). Czech Republic and the European Bap- tist Federation for their invitation.”

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 21 and Society Commission 2008 Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 22 and Society Commission 2008 CEC Member Churches

Albania Denmark Great Britain Orthodox Autocephalous Baptist Union of Denmark Baptist Union of Great Britain Church of Albania Evangelical-Lutheran Church The Methodist Church of Great Armenia of Denmark Britain Armenian Apostolic Church Estonia Church in Wales Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Church of England Austria Church of Scotland Evangelical Church of the Church Estonian Evangelical-Lutheran Congregational Federation of Augsburg Confession in the United Kingdom Austria Church Abroad Estonian Methodist Church Council of African and Evangelical Church of the Caribbean Churches Helvetic Confession in Orthodox Church of Estonia Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Wales Austria Salvation Army - UK Evangelical-Methodist Church Church (Ecumenical Patriarchate) Territory/Ireland in Austria Scottish Episcopal Church Old-Catholic Church in Austria Finland Shiloh United Church of Christ Belgium Evangelical-Lutheran Church Apostolic Worldwide United Protestant Church in of Finland United Reformed Church in the Lithuania Belgium Orthodox Church in Finland United Kingdom Evangelical-Lutheran Church France Greece of Lithuania Bulgaria Lithuanian Evangelical- Church of the Augsburg Greek Evangelical Church Baptist Union of Bulgaria Lutheran Church in Evangelical-Methodist Church Confession in Alsace and Church of Greece Lorraine Germany in Bulgaria Hungary Evangelical-Lutheran Church Luxembourg Pentecostal Assemblies of Baptist Union of Hungary Bulgaria of France Alliance of Protestant Churches Federation of Evangelical- Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Luxembourg Croatia of Hungary Baptist Churches of France Netherlands Baptist Union of Croatia Malagasy Protestant Church in Evangelical-Methodist Church Church of God in Croatia in Hungary Mennonite Church in the France Netherlands Evangelical Church in the Reformed Church of Alsace- Reformed Church in Hungary Republic of Croatia Iceland Old-Catholic Church of the Lorraine Netherlands Evangelical Pentecostal Church Evangelical-Lutheran Church Reformed Church in France Protestant Church in the in Croatia of Iceland Reformed Christian Church in Georgia Netherlands Croatia Union of Evangelical Christian- Ireland Remonstrant Brotherhood Baptists of Georgia Church of Ireland Cyprus Norway Germany Methodist Church in Ireland Church of Norway Church of Cyprus Presbyterian Church in Ireland Catholic Diocese of the Old- Poland Czech Republic Italy Catholics in Germany Baptist Union of Poland Czechoslovak Hussite Church Evangelical Church in Germany Baptist Union of Italy Evangelical Church of the Evangelical Church of Czech (EKD) Evangelical-Lutheran Church Augsburg Confession in Brethren Union of Evangelical Free in Italy Poland Evangelical-Methodist Church Churches in Germany Evangelical-Methodist Church Evangelical-Reformed Church in the Czech Republic (Baptists) in Italy in Poland Moravian Church in the Czech United Methodist Church in Waldensian Church Old-Catholic Mariavite Church Republic Germany Old-Catholic Church in the Latvia in Poland Czech Republic Evangelical-Lutheran Church Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church in the Czech of Latvia Orthodox Church Lands and Slovak Latvian Evangelical-Lutheran Polish Catholic Church (Old- Republic Church Abroad Catholic) Silesian Evangelical Church of Liechtenstein United Methodist Church in the Augsburg Confession Evangelical Church in the Poland in the Czech Republic Principality of Liechtenstein & Associated Organisations Left Hotel Nyborg Strand as it looked in 1959, to the right Hotel Nyborg Strand today.

Ecumenical Association of Churches in Romania/AIDROM Ecumenical Association for Adult Education in Europe Ecumenical Council of Churches in Hungary Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Slovak Republic Finnish Ecumenical Council Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Ecumenical Institute for the Nordic Region Ecumenical Youth Council in Portugal Slovak Republic International Areas Europe Lusitanian Catholic Apostolic Evangelical Church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Estonian Council of Churches Evangelical Church Augsburg Confession in Constantinople Eurodiaconia / European Methodist Church of Portugal the Slovak Republic European Continental Province Federation for Diaconia Presbyterian Church in Evangelical Free Church in the of the Moravian Church European Alliance of YMCAs Portugal Slovak Republic Evangelical-Lutheran Church European Baptist Federation Orthodox Church in the Czech in Russia and Other States European Contact Group Romania European Forum of Christian Evangelical Church of the Lands and Slovak Salvation Army International - Republic Headquarters Europe Men Augsburg Confession in European YWCAs Romania Reformed Christian Church in Zone the Slovak Republic United Methodist Church - Federation of Evangelical Evangelical-Lutheran Church Lutheran Churches of in Romania Slovenia Nordic and Baltic Area United Methodist Church - Switzerland and the Reformed Church in Romania Evangelical Church of the Principality of (Kiralyhagomelléki Augsburg Confession in Central and Southern Europe Area Liechtenstein District) the Republic of Slovenia Federation of Protestant Reformed Church in Romania Spain Churches in Italy (Transylvanian District) Spanish Evangelical Church CEC ASSOCIATED French Protestant Federation Romanian Orthodox Church Spanish Reformed Episcopal ORGANISATIONS Gustav Adolf Foundation Russia Church Action of Churches Together in Intereuropean Commission on Euro-Asiatic Federation of the Sweden Scotland Church and School Unions of Evangelical Baptist Union of Sweden Christian Council of Norway International Association for Christian-Baptists Church of Sweden Christian Council of Sweden Christian Education Evangelical-Lutheran Church Mission Covenant Church of Church and Peace International Prison Chaplains’ of Ingria in Russia Sweden Church Mission Society Association/Europe Russian Orthodox Church United Methodist Church of Churches Commission for Irish Council of Churches (suspended their Sweden Annual Migrants in Europe Portuguese Council of participation since Conference Churches Together in Britain Christian Churches November 2008) and Ireland Spanish Committee on Switzerland Serbia/Montenegro Churches Together in England Cooperation between the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches Together in Wales Churches Evangelical-Methodist Church Churches in Macedonia Conference of European Union of Evangelical Free Old-Catholic Church of Pastors’ Association Churches in Germany Evangelical-Methodist Church Switzerland in Serbia Conference of European World Student Christian United Methodist Church in University Chaplains Federation (Europe) Reformed Christian Church in Switzerland Serbia/Montenegro Council of Churches in the Serbian Orthodox Church Ukraine Netherlands Slovak Evangelical Church of Trans-Carpathian Reformed Ecumenical Association of the Augsburg Confession Church Academies and Laity in Serbia Centres in Europe

Religion in the Public Sphere Annual Report of the Church 23 and Society Commission 2008 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- T (CEC). The CSC links CEC’s mission in agreement with CEC’s Cen- sels and Strasbourg and maintains 125 member churches from all over Eu- tral Committee. strong links with the CEC headquarters rope and its associated organisations The Commission Plenary meets once in Geneva. The Directorate of the CSC with the European Union institutions, a year, and elects the CSC Executive is based in Brussels. the Council of Europe, the OSCE, NATO and the UN (on European matters). It Mandate How we work Long term working www.cec-kek.org www.cec-kek.org engages its member churches and as- and Methods • The Church and Society groups have been sociated organisations in studies and Commission (CSC) moni- established for the Our mandate tors developments in the following priority areas projects relevant to church and society • Study and examination of European Institutions and of the 2004-2009 work and thus supports and strengthens the Church and Society ques- makes inputs to the insti- programme: common witness of European churches tions in a socio-ethical tutions on behalf of its • European Integration perspective such as member churches • EU Legislation vis-à-vis the European Institutions and EECCS and CEC have un- • CSC acts through its • Peace, Security and Re- in the respective European societies. dertaken up to now (for working groups which conciliation The CSC was established in 1999 as example: peace, justice study church and society • Bioethics and Biotechnol- and the integrity of cre- a result of an integration process be- issues and engages ogy ation, reconciliation, chur- member churches in con- • Human rights and Reli- tween CEC and the European Ecume- ches and governments); sultations and projects on gious Freedom nical Commission for Church and So- • Monitor the European specific topics • Social Issues (a joint ciety (EECCS), both of which had a institutions: European • CSC closely cooperates Working Group with Eu- Union, Council of Europe, with other church-related rodiaconia) long-standing record of working in the Organisation for Security organizations and NGOs field of church and society. and Co-operation in Eu- such as CCME, Eurodiaco- The CSC also rope, in relation to nia, APRODEV and addresses CEC was founded in 1959 as a themes such as the Euro- bridge-building organisation between COMECE the following themes pean integration process, • CSC bases its actions on with appropriate the churches in Eastern and Western democratisation, estab- its work programme working mechanisms: Europe. lishment of the rule of through flexible and ad • Globalisation law, human rights and 1984 can be regarded as the found- hoc working mechanisms • Sustainable Development minority questions, Euro- and methods. • Environmental Issues ing date for EECCS, which was estab- pean security, economic More information on • Agriculture and Rural Life and social questions, the • Gender Equality

the Church and Society Section on the CEC’s website: website: CEC’s the on Section Society and Church the lished as a representation of churches http:// www.cec-kek.org on what we do – church and society and church – do we what on vis-à-vis the European institutions. environment; • In the implementation of • Education • Deal with the specific re- its agenda, regular com- • Inter-religious Dialogue click Click Following this integration process, sponsibility of the chur- munication between CSC ches in the member and its member churches states of the European and the Institutions are of Union for the internal crucial importance policies of the EU. Acronyms

CCME Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe EUMC European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia CEC Conference of European Churches FRA European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights COMECE Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community ICCS Intereuropean Commission on Church and School EATF European Air Transport Fleet ICD Intercultural Dialogue ECG European Contact Group & NGO - Non Governmental Organisation. IV International Association for Christian Education ED Eurodiaconia KAS Konrad Adenauer Stiftung ECEN European Christian Environmental Network SRI Socially Responsible Investment EEAS European External Action Service UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights