CEC: “A Europe that Protects and Welcomes”

The Conference of European Churches Governing Board meets in Brussels: Prepares for Assembly, issues 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 Rt Rev. Christopher Hill KCVO, DD 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. Rev. 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 calling on European states and EU Institutions to contribute to the UN high-level meeting to address large movements of refugees and migrants. To read the full text of the statement, please click here.

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.