Second conference of Protestant Synod Members from around Europe organised by the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) on 30^th January to 1^st February in Budapest, Hungary received delegates from 49 Protestant Synods in 23 European Countries. The theme of the meeting was “How does Protestantism affect Europe right now and in the future?”

The hosting churches were the Protestant Churches in Hungary, and the Evangelical Church of Rhineland, Germany.

The first day of the conference began with an opening service by the Reformed Church in Hungary. During the opening service, in the true spirit of solidarity and Protestantism, Fábián Sándor Zán Bishop of the Reformed Church in Subcarpathia, Ukraine said some prayers, and it was also an opportunity for those attending to give an offering that would go towards supporting the Ministers’ families and widows’ of ministers of the Reformed Church in Sub Carpathia, Ukraine, and also write messages of solidarity to them. 

“I wish that the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ will come into your heart and overcome all fear and hatred so that you can strengthen all the struggle for peace and life and resist against the trials to involve you into this senseless and cruel conflict.”

 “You are not alone, dear sisters and brothers!”

 

 

 “We thank God for you, that you are a light for people in your country. And pray for you!“

 

“God be with you in your struggle for justice and God surround you with his love! Amen”

 

“You are in our prayers – God be with you and give you strength, just for today…”

 

“May God bless you and help keep you faithful”

 

“Blessings and peace among all the people regardless race, nationality, denomination. Peace for Ukraine, with God everything is possible Amen!”

 

“We pray for peace in all regions of Europe and the world, but in this meeting especially for your region, church and people! Peace be with you!”

 

Giving her sermon during the opening service, RCH Head of Mission Department,  Rev. Eszter Dani in light of her experiences working in Subcarpathia, Ukraine said that “…we are part of an ever-increasing system, which links us to previous and subsequent generations, geographically connects us concentrically to larger and larger regions and finally to our globalised world.”  Bearing this in mind, we the church are called to search for and represent the revelation of God as a prophetic voice in society. This revelation will only come from a vision, leadership, and fresh guidance from God.  If the church does search for the teaching of God and the desire to follow it, then the person and the community live the “fullness” of life, even under the harshest circumstances. Then the people of God turn into a sign in society.

After the service, a welcoming speech was given by the President, Dr. Klára Tárr followed by an introductory speech by the General Secretary Dr. Michael Bünker.  Dr. Dieter Heidtmann then spoke about the “Protestant Identity” and how the churches across Europe travelled together. The Key note address was given by Prof. Dr. Daniele Garrone, of the Waldensian Church, Italy titled, “The Impact of Reformation to Laypeople in Churches.”

The second day was full ih workshops, where partner churches met in smaller groups. These workshops included; Global Responsibility, Financial Group, Social and medical issues, Politics and Democracy. These day long workshops were ended by a plenary where the workshop findings were presented and discussed.

The final day began by agreements of further work, and recommendations to the Synods of CPCE-Churches, to the CPCE Council. The closing statement of the meeting found the delegates of the Synods and governing conferences of Protestant churches committing to, passing on the faith to all through word and deed; dialogue that is interfaith, and encourages peace and welcoming of refugees; faith in action or human dignity, peace, justice, and integrity of creation; communion of churches, through regular meetings of the delegates of the Synods, to strengthen communion among protestant churches.

The three day conference ended by closing worship service where the Lord’s Supper was celebrated.

Read Closing Statement of the Second European Synod Meeting and the report, published on the CPCE website.

Njeri Wagana Hughes  

Ecumenical Office

Photos:   Gábor Varga Vargosz

             Ecumenical Office