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Diverse Christian Groups in Europe Discover Importance of Meeting Face to Face

WARBURG, Germany — How can Christians express their faith in a secularized Europe? How do people become Christians? Who belongs to the church? What is the church? How does the church relate to society and the state?

Some 50 representatives from a wide range of Christian denominations and organizations in Europe wrestled with these and other questions when they gathered June 19 – 22 for a European consultation at the invitation of the Continuation Committee of the Global Christian Forum. The meeting, hosted by the Syrian Orthodox Church, took place at its monastery, St. Jacob of Sarug, in Warburg.

They came from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Friends (Quakers), Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Old-Catholic, Orthodox (Eastern and Oriental), Pentecostal, Reformed and Salvation Army traditions. For some participants, it was the first such face-to-face meeting.

Bernhard Ott from Liestal, Switzerland represented Mennonite World Conference at the gathering.

Ott and two Quaker participants insisted that peace and reconciliation, topics absent from the discussion on social and political responsibilities, must stand at the centre of a Christian public witness.

Together with some Baptist friends, Ott also brought to the attention of the gathering the difference between a Constantinian view of the church and a believers church understanding as a crucial issue that has never been articulated clearly.

Many underlying tensions between churches in Europe have to do with different theological views, but instead of the alienation and hostility that sometimes characterize relationships between diverse groups, this meeting was marked by a spirit of openness and trust.

Participants prayed and praised God in the different styles of their traditions, shared their faith journeys, heard about the presence and witness of faith communities and how churches belonging to the ecumenical movement and evangelical and pentecostal churches are bridging the gaps between them. They identified issues which are sometimes obstacles for better relationships, but which can also be opportunities for more cooperation.

Among issues discussed that Ott identified were clashes between evangelical missions in Eastern Europe with the established Orthodox churches, relations between European churches and the rapidly growing immigrant churches, and concerns relating to the growing Muslim presence in Europe.

Speaking frankly of the different perceptions of each other, they became keenly aware that lack of contact has given rise to misunderstandings and that meeting face to face for dialogue is important.

“This was a significant meeting because it brought together Christian groups and churches which normally do not have formal connections and/or relations,” said Ott. “To interact in this diverse group in an open and respectful atmosphere focusing on common challenges we are facing in Europe was important, inspiring and fruitful. It should be the beginning of an ongoing dialogue.”

An official statement released at the conclusion of the Warburg consultation said that the Global Christian Forum should continue in Europe, especially at local, national and sub-regional levels. It also asked regional church organizations in Europe to help bring together mainline churches involved in the ecumenical movement and evangelical / pentecostal faith traditions.

— Ferne Burkhardt, Mennonite World Conference news editor