WCC News: Updated Charta Œcumenica marks milestone towards Christian unity in Europe

The Conference of European Churches and Council of European Bishops’ Conferences launched an Updated Charta Oecumenica on 5 November in Rome. This joint document renews European churches’ commitment to walk together in dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared witness in response to the challenges of our time. The updated Charta Oecumenica was signed by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conference and His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, president of the Conference of European Churches on 5 November 2025 in Rome. Photo: CCEE 06 November 2025 The updated Charta was officially signed by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, president of the Conference of European Churches; and Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conference. They affirmed the renewed dedication to continue building bridges between churches in Europe. “This Charta Oecumenica is a call to conscience and cooperation,” said Archbishop Nikitas. “Our commitment to one another as churches is not abstract—it is grounded in shared faith, lived out amid pain, division, and hope. In a fragmented and secular Europe, the Charta urges us to rediscover the strength of our communion and the urgency of our mission. We must proclaim the Gospel together, uphold human dignity, and work side by side for justice, peace, and care for creation. This is our ecumenical vocation—not just to speak of unity, but to live it.” Archbishop Grušas emphasised that the updated Charta comes at a crucial time in Europe’s journey. “Our churches are called to be signs of unity and hope—not only in words but in action. This Charta equips us to respond together to the wounds of war, displacement, and the ethical challenges of new technologies. It reminds us to walk humbly, confront past failings, and create spaces of healing and reconciliation. It also calls us to listen to the voices of young people and involve them in shaping the path ahead. We are stronger when we stand together.” Originally signed in 2001, the Charta Oecumenica has long served as a foundational text for ecumenical cooperation across the continent. This newly updated version—launched in the year marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea—reflects the evolving social, spiritual, and ecological landscape of Europe. Learn more about Charta Oecumenica Conference of European Churches See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland