European churches called to confront current financial crisis

Citing the European churches’ “strong commitment over the past century to the ecumenical movement and fellowship in Europe”, WCC general secretary the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has urged their direct engagement in the current financial and social crisis in and beyond Europe.

Their past commitment “has changed the realities of Europe. It has borne much fruit on other continents. That can, and should, happen again,” he added.

Tveit shared this message at the General Assembly of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) on September 21 in Florence, Italy.

In the context of the ongoing financial crisis in Europe, Tveit said to the European churches, “you emphasise reconciliation in your concept of unity. Europe today calls the churches to signs of reconciliation.”

Tveit also quoted a call from the WCC Central Committee meeting in September, urging churches in Europe to “stand together and to advocate for common European solutions to the financial and social crisis that help to deepen the project of European Unity as a project of just peace on the continent.”

Inspired by the WCC 10th Assembly theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace,” Tveit called the European churches to “renew the good news that Christ frees, reconciles and unites both people and churches.”

The assembly will take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, next year.

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Full text of the WCC general secretary’s message

More information on General Assembly of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe