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16/02/2007 |
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ROME (CNS) -- Europe may not be as obviously Christian as it once was, but vibrant new movements and communities have been born among Catholic, Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox churches, said members of those movements. Representatives from several of the larger movements met in Rome in mid-February to finalize preparations for "Together for Europe," a May 10-11 meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, of at least 3,000 leaders from more than 170 groups representing a wide range of Christian denominations. "We want to send a strong signal that Christianity remains alive in Europe and that diversity is valued, including among Christians," said Marco Impagliazzo, president of the Catholic-founded Community of Sant'Egidio. Gerhard Pross, head of a coordinating council for 130 new Lutheran movements and communities in Germany, told a Feb. 16 press conference, "We live at a time when the Spirit of God is bringing about new things all over Europe, in all churches. "You cannot imagine the diversity among us," he said. While each group values the spiritual spark that makes it unique, "we want to come together to renew our churches and society." Christophe D'Aloisio, the Belgian president of the international Syndesmos organization for Orthodox youth movements, said, "The movements are a witness that the churches are alive." He said that by coming together the movements want to share their experiences and spirituality with each other, but even more they want to find concrete ways to show European society and the rest of the world how much can be accomplished when people focus on what unites them instead of on their differences. The Stuttgart meeting will include several sessions on promoting faith-based and government-based aid to Africa, strengthening marriage and family life, promoting Christian unity, welcoming immigrants, the religious importance of ecology and defending human life. D'Aloisio said it is obvious different Christian communities take a different approach to some of the issues, including those dealing with abortion, homosexuality and marriage; the Stuttgart gathering will be an opportunity to discuss the differences, but also to build on common values. For example, he said, "as an Orthodox, I say the church should not feel threatened by any political project" regarding legal recognition for unmarried couples, "but rather must continue to acknowledge and teach the importance and uniqueness of Christian marriage."
Cindy Wooden
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