Together in a Tent
Since ancient times, the tent has been a place of meeting and of hospitality.
It was therefore appropriate that the third European Ecumenical Assembly (EEA3) should witness over 2,500 representatives from all of the mainstream churches in continental Europe meeting together for five days in September in a large tent in Sibiu, a beautiful mediaeval city in the Transylvanian region of Romania. Sibiu is the European city of culture for 2007 and, despite a turbulent recent history, is a city where Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Christians have lived together for many hundreds of years. It was an honour for me to be part of the Church In Wales representation at this assembly, which followed on from the historic meetings in Basle in 1989 and Graz in 1997.
The theme for the assembly was ‘The Light of Christ that shines upon us all, hope for renewal and unity in Europe’. Keynote speakers included senior church leaders from across Europe and political leaders, including the presidents of the European Commission and Romania. We were encouraged to reflect on what it means for us as Christians to be the Light of Christ in the modern world, particularly with regards to church unity, and how our faith could impact upon the lives of the peoples of Europe and beyond.
The quest for greater understanding and unity was evident in the form and styles of worship experienced. There was an opportunity each day to visit a local church and to take part in worship of a different tradition. During the week I took part in an Anglican Eucharist, a Latin-rite Roman Catholic Mass, Taizé and (for me the most memorable) an Orthodox service to celebrate the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Around the assembly there were many opportunities to attend seminars, meet informally and to contribute to a number of key discussions. I was able to contribute to a seminar on a subject I’m interested in – Marrying Money and Morals. Linked to this I took an opportunity to escape from the conference for an afternoon to visit a remote village and to see the work of two small businesses which have been assisted by the international Oikocredit organisation.
The assembly, like its predecessors, sought to agree firm recommendations from the discussions that took place. These included: a call for a common mission to proclaim Christ in word and deed to the peoples of Europe; more ecumenical opportunities for prayer, pilgrimage and education amongst European Christians; to be courageous in seeking to meet the needs of Europe on issues of social justice and ecological matters. You can view the full recommendations on www.eea3.org
I returned from the assembly inspired by having had the opportunity to meet and worship with fellow Christians from across Europe and with a renewed sense that there is so much that unites us.
Revd Jeremy Harris, Monmouth Group of Parishes