Here are excerpts from a speech by Jesús Morán Cepedano, co-president of the Focolare Movement, philosopher, specialized in theological anthropology, on the occasion of the Congress Together for Europe in Munich, June 30, 2016. Why has Europe given rise in the last...
Congress and Manifestation
Together for Europe 2016
Munich, 30 June to 2 July 2016
ENCOUNTER. RICONCILIATION. FUTURE. This was the title of the fourth International Together for Europe event in Munich.
The journey began from 30 June to 1 July 2016, in the Circus Krone-Bau with a Congress for representatives of more than 300 Movements and Communities belonging to the network – of which 200 were present. Plenaries, discussion panels, workshops and forums on various topics of urgent topical interest, such as refugees and their integration, ecumenism, the environment, dialogue with Islam, the economic crisis and the search for the common good, and the difficult ties between European countries in the aftermath of Brexit. There were 1,700 participants from 32 European Countries and even further afield.
On the afternoon of 2 July, more than 5,000 people gathered in the popular ‘Karlsplatz (Stachus)’ square: many young people took part. There were powerful testimonies of reconciliation throughout the 15-year journey in the context of Together for Europe; touching and full of hope was the fraternal embrace between prominent representatives of the Catholic, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches. ‘Unity is possible’ – that is what those present in the square and the people who were live-streamed in over 7,000 listening points in various parts of Europe and other parts of the world could see and experience.
Powerful and meaningful video-messages from Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. The stage was lively and animated, with young musical ensembles and choirs of different nationalities.
Articles about the event
It´s a matter of growing ever more into a “culture of trust”, including a worldly trust in God. Herbert Lauenroth’s presentation at the International Congress of "Together for Europe - Munich 2016" is as current as ever. Here is the full text. Dear friends, I would...
"We marvel at the action of the Holy Spirit in our times". Cardinal Kasper accompanied and supported Together for Europe network from its very beginnings. On the 30th June 2016, on the occasion of the last Congress in Munich, he shared his views on the importance of...
Much research on the future of our continent has been conducted in areas such as culture, sociology and religion. The European Year of Cultural Heritage broadens this view. What is the specific contribution that Movements and Communities can offer in this regard?...
It’s here! Thanks to all who contributed, the complete documentation of the Munich event, from 30 June until 2 July 2016, is now available. There are photos and texts of both the Congress and the outdoor rally. The texts are in English and German. English version >...
Together for Europe. Encounter. Reconciliation. Future. Munich – Bavaria, 2nd July 2016 There is no alternative to being together “United in diversity”. This European hope is more than ever relevant. Europe must not become a fortress and build new frontiers. ...
...the Together for Europe Munich experience (30.6 - 2.7.2016) had it all: ENCOUNTER with a great variety of people, single-minded in their determination to face up together to the FUTURE, as well as testimonials of RECONCILIATION that showed how a journey together is...
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...
"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” "....
“Europe is going through the dark night of its own principles, the dark night of its dreams. (…) We believe Together for Europe is something which can inspire individuals or associations in their commitment to a free, reconciled, democratic, supportive and fraternal...
Encounter, reconciliation, future. These are the words of the 4th international edition of Together for Europe. Since 1999 more than 300 Christian Movements have made a path of reconciliation, mutual understanding and unity from 1999 and 200 of them are present here,...
After the news of last Friday morning, the day after "Brexit", the members of the Steering Committee of Together for Europe unanimously declared: The European Conference from 30th June to 1st July and the 2nd July Outdoor Rally in the "Karlsplatz”- the square in...
Another Patronage has been granted to Together for Europe for its upcoming event to be held in Munich in early July 2016 With words of strong encouragement and appreciation for the Together for Europe initiative the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz...
Europe... Light and shadow... and a lot to offer. An evening with a group of young people from all over the world in the headquarters of the International Secretariat of Together for Europe At the end of April, eight university students some newly graduated, came to...
Church leaders will support the network Together for Europe on 2nd July 2016, by sending personal messages; the Council of Europe and the EU Commission confirmed their patronage. In the course of the last weeks both the Vatican, and the Patriarchate in Istanbul...
85 days to Munich – the Steering Committee busy with the preparations Trastevere in Rome (Italy) is full of people… tourists, families, children, the elderly, people busy with their daily routines… Stepping away from the crowd, a small group turns towards a humble...
On 25 November, at the monastery of Ayatrìada on the island of Halki, Patriarch Bartholomew met members of the “Together for Europe” Steering Committee. Their meeting took place during an ecumenical gathering of Bishops organized by the Focolare Movement. The...
"In recent months we have been looking for ways to tell Pope Francis more about our network called "Together for Europe ". We wanted to invite him to contribute via video to the public rally on 02/07/2016 at the Karlsplatz in Munich. Then, when it became clear that on...
Documents, files and co. of the event
Photo Gallery of the event
