Seven Salvationists took part in the 16th General Assembly of the Conference of European Churches (CEC), themed ‘Under God’s Blessing – Shaping the Future’, in Tallinn, Estonia.
Belarusian politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya opened the gathering with a keynote speech inviting churches to pray for people in her country and Ukraine, and to raise their voices for ‘true peace, true brotherhood and true love’. The first day concluded with a service at St John’s Church at which Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (Officer for European Ecumenical Relations, International Headquarters (IHQ)) preached.
Salvation Army delegates also included Commissioner Jane Paone (Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations, IHQ), Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts (Territorial Ecumenical Officer, United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) and Major Victoria Lalac (Secretary for Programme, Eastern Europe Territory). They joined more than 300 representatives of 116 denominations, national church councils and partner organisations across Europe.
Three UK and Ireland Territory Salvationists participated in support teams which ensured the smooth running of the event. Amy Bayliss-Fox (Cannock) and Hannah Carr (Norwich Citadel) took part in a one-day youth gathering before becoming stewards for the assembly, whilst Bethany Gibson (Online Content Editor, Territorial Headquarters) was part of the assembly’s communications team.
Ecumenical tasks for the future
Keynote speakers included former Archbishop of Canterbury the Right Revd Rowan Williams, who indicated how churches could be a blessing to European societies, and Orthodox His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who focused on ecumenical tasks for the future. After each keynote address, delegates met in small groups to reflect on the themes presented.
The war in Ukraine had a significant place on the agenda as delegates considered ‘the role of churches in transforming violence’ and how churches can be ‘changemakers in post-war society’. Delegates contributed ideas for CEC’s Pathways to Peace programme, designed to enable churches across Europe to support peace, justice and reconciliation.
The assembly had a rhythm of prayer, with morning, midday and evening devotions conducted in the style of different church traditions, as well as Bible studies which provided insights to aid reflection on the major themes of the assembly. In business sessions the CEC president, general secretary and various committees presented their reports, and elections to key positions were held.
On Sunday, Salvationist delegates were welcomed at Kopli Corps in Tallinn and took part in the morning meeting. Lieut-Colonel Roberts testified, Commissioner Krommenhoek brought the Bible message and the visiting group sang ‘Jesus put this song into our hearts’.
'Love is the appropriate response to the world we're in'
Reflecting on the assembly, Commissioner Paone said, ‘The keynote speeches were of an excellent standard and there was good fellowship. Everything was prepared with much care and our Estonian friends offered us very warm hospitality, which was greatly appreciated. One simple quotation remains in my mind from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’s keynote speech: “Love is the appropriate response to the world we’re in.” We can discuss and have many different ideas on European and global issues but, finally, unitedly engaging in living out Christ’s love to the world will have the greatest impact.’
