Munich 2016

Munich 2016

by | Jul 6, 2016 | 2016 Munich, News

ENCOUNTER. RECONCILIATION. FUTURE.

This is the title of the fourth International Event of Together for Europe which took place in Munich, Bavaria.

The journey began with a Congress from 30th June to 1st July, 2016, for members of the over 300 Movements and Communities which are involved – two hundred of these were represented at the Congress which was held in the Circus Krone Building. There were plenary sessions in the morning and in the afternoon, 17 Forums and 19 Round Tables on various topics related to current critical situations such as refugees and their integration, ecumenism, the environment, dialogue with Islam, the economic crisis and the search for the common good, the difficult relationship between European countries … 1,700 participants from 32 countries of Europe and beyond.

In the afternoon of 2nd July in the popular “Karlsplatz (Stachus)” square, over 5,000 people including many young people gathered for a Outdoor Rally. The testimonies of reconciliation during the journey of 15 years as part of Together for Europe were powerful; the brotherly embrace between leading representatives of the Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches was poignant and full of hope. “Unity is possible” – this is what the audience in the square and people in various parts of the world who, in over 7000 listening points, were connected with live-streaming, were able to see and experience.

The video messages of Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I were compelling and visionary.
The stage was vibrant with the bands and choirs of young people of different nationalities.
The centre piece of the stage was a door which “opened up to the future” as a symbol of the journey so far and the future towards which we wish to travel, to reach a full sharing of the values that are rooted in the Gospel.

Click here to see the video of the Outdoor Rally TfE Munich July 2, 2016 (EN)

Click here for more videos about the event (playlist) in several languages

by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe

Live from Munich – 3nd Day

Live from Munich – 3nd Day

by | Jul 2, 2016 | 2016 Munich, News

“Yes to bridges of mercy. Yes to discovering others and their rich heritage. Yes to understanding that we are truly “one thing only”, that there is a unity and a fraternity to be worked for and that we must find the ways to “break down” the many “dividing walls” “. These were the words of Andrea Riccardi, founder of  the Sant’Egidio Community, red by Marco Impagliazzo (president), expressing the spirit and the commitment of the 5000 participants, present in Karlsplatz (Stachus) in Munich, on july 2, for the final Outdoor Rally of Together for Europe 2016.

Unity is possible; reconciliation opens up the future; a culture of relationship and mercy; mission and future; were the four main guidelines of the afternoon. Maria Voce, president of the Focolare Movement invited everyone to “sign” a solemn commitment for unity: “We commit ourselves here, today, to be catalysts of this change, catalysts for a new vision for Europe, so as to speed up the journey towards unity by starting a profound dialogue with and for all the men and women on earth”.

Among the messages of greetings, Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Orthodox Church Bartolomew I send their support.

Testimonies of reconciliation between churches and communities followed: “Reconciliation opens to the future”, stated Gerhard Pross from the Streering Committee of Together for Europe: “Although we are and will be different, we want to live in unity, to be enriched by our diversities and spread it to our cities and allover Europe.”

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Rome) explained that a universal network of friendship exists from 15 years, and Bishop Frank Otfried July, vice-president of the Lutheran World Federation: “There are many experiences that we are living together as churches: we work for refugees, we pray together; we want Christ to be the center of Europe”.

The Metropolitan of the Orthodox Romanian Church of Germany, Central and Northern Europe Seraphim Joanta (Nuremberg) shared joys and sorrows of his mission: “We suffer for the fundamentalist forces that threaten to destroy the efforts of unity among Christians. Moreover young people are missing  in our churches. But we trust in Christ and in this network of brothers”. Then a poignant and prophetic moment followed: several representatives of Christian Churches and movements have pronounced the “Our Father”: “It is a prophetic sign of reconciliation and forgiveness” – explained Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, Secretary General of the WCC – a sign that we don’t want to forget ever again”.

The voice of youth was powerful and full of hope: “I dream a Europe more friendly and less individualistic, said Mary of Czech Republic -“Europe begins with me, because I am Europe”.

“Together” is another keyword of Together for Europe: “In 2017, there will be the Jubilee of the Reformation – told the Evangelical Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, president of the Lutheran Confederation in Germany – and we want to live it together: Evangelical and Catholics”.

And Card. Reinhard Marx of Munich, president of the German Catholic Bishops’ Conference: “We have to recognize the signs of unity we are already living: we are not separated, we want to witness Christ together.”

The final message, read by the leaders of Christian Churches and communities expressed the fruits of the common path and the next steps to be taken: “Europe must not become a fortress and build new frontiers. There is no alternative to being together. We ask all Christians (…) to overcome the divisions. Our commitment: we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bear witness to it with our words and deeds. We are committed to building up humanity and peace in the world.”

Brussels 2012

Brussels 2012

by | May 30, 2012 | 2012 Brussels, News

Together for Europe – Brussels, 12th May 2012.

“A Wave of Hope” was the title of proceedings of the third large-scale event held by Together for Europe – a pan-European event with a central point in Brussels.

More than a thousand participants from all over Europe gathered in the Gold Hall: public figures from political, cultural and ecclesial walks of life, representatives of Christian Movements and Communities. Many others expressed their support through their messages or Patronage of the event.

A unique characteristic was the extensive network linking 152 simultaneous events in 22 European countries with the main event held in Brussels. Through these small and large-scale events, new collaborations between the 300 Movements and Communities present aimed at benefiting the local areas sprang into existence while existing collaborations were stepped up.

Some of these collaborations of the last few years consisted in initiatives themed around the “The 7 Yeses” launched in Stuttgart in 2007, for example a variety of projects focused on equal and respectful integration of different peoples were carried out at different levels. Initiatives of the 12th May which brought people of all ages and persuasions together include: creating a human chain around an island perimeter, hot air balloon spectacles, European flag displays, concerts, round tables, parades and rallies on European streets and squares.

In a number of cities children from various Movements supported the initiative through a parallel event involving great commitment and creativity entitled ‘Run4Unity’. Young people also took part in the central event in Brussels through songs, testimonials and an initiative called “Face2faith in Europe”.

The event concluded with a message of hope, unity and peace addressed by thousands of people throughout Europe linked together by satellite connection with Brussels.

See the video “A current of Hope” 

by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe

Flash main event Brussels

 

Flash local events

Local Events 2009

Local Events 2009

by | Oct 15, 2009 | 2009 Local Events, Austria, Italy, News

Together for Europe multiplied. With the 2004 and 2007  events in Stuttgart, continental in scale, many Christian Movements and Communities all over Europe set on a journey of Together.

In 2009 in order to ‘sow’ locally national meetings were held in 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Northern Ireland, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Hungary. The presence of a representative of another European country at each national meeting helped maintain a broader European dimension.

Each of these events were unique in character and coloured by the culture of the region as well as the Communities and Movements involved in its organisation. A shared objective was to face up with responsibility to challenges facing today’s Europe, beginning within each country’s own borders.

Several of these local events were closely followed in the national media including TV, radio and press of the individual countries. Effective testimonials of Christian life were offered for a variety of life situations: with themes ranging from the welcoming and safeguarding of life to complex issues affecting the family today, the relationship with nature, solidarity with the poor and the vulnerable, commitment to peace and to safety in cities among others.

Testimonials such as these conveyed an assurance that viable solutions to issues faced by the society today could be found in the Gospel.

See the video “10 years for Europe”

by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe

Stuttgart 2007

Stuttgart 2007

by | May 30, 2007 | 2007 Stuttgart, News

“Together for Europe 2007” – Stuttgart, 12th May. Not just an event – a way of looking to the future.

A dream of a Continent where Christians engage together with conviction to realise their vision of a “Europe of the Spirit”; signs of an emerging culture of communion; 8,000 people from 250 Movements and Communities meeting together in the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart.

Encouragement from Heads of States, the presence of European political leaders and leaders from different Churches. An array of personal stories and initiatives born from lives inspired by the Gospel. The courage to go beyond suffering and difficulties. A conclusive solemn declaration of commitment and plea summed up as “The 7 Yeses” in support of life, peace, creation, family, just economy, solidarity, responsibility towards society.

Many artistic performances witnessing to the beauty and richness of different European cultures.

Parallel events taking place all over the Continent with follow up meetings reflecting the same spirit held in other parts of the world.

Just as in 2004 the event is preceded by a two-day Congress with a total of 2,000 participants.

See the video “Together for Europe 2007”

by the International Secretariat of Together for Europe