The appeal was addressed by Monsignor Gintaras Grušas, President of the CCEE, to the Presidents of the European Episcopal Conferences, in the context of the recent signing of the updated Charta Oecumenica, which took place in Rome on November 5, 2025. This gesture officially opens the phase of reception of the document throughout Europe.
Christian Unity as an Instrument of Peace
The CCEE Presidency Invites to Prayer for Peace during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Following the signing of the updated Charta Oecumenica that took place in Rome on 5 November 2025, H.E. Msgr. Gintaras GRUŠAS, President of the CCEE, relaunches the reception phase of the Charta in Europe by issuing a heartfelt appeal to the Presidents of the European Catholic Bishops’ Conferences to dedicate a special prayer intention for peace during the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as this unity among the Baptised in Christ is a powerful instrument of peace throughout the world.
“Prayer remains ‘the soul of the whole ecumenical movement’ (UR, 8), and it finds an especially strong expression during the annual octave of prayer for Christian unity,” Archbishop Grušas highlights in his letter to all the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences across Europe.
On the 25th anniversary of the signing of the original Charta Oecumenica which took place in Strasbourg on 22 April 2001, and amid serious ongoing threats against peace, shaped by persistent armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions in many regions of the world, the Churches are called to renew a strong common appeal to pray for peace, especially during the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, so that this unity may be achieved not only among Christians but also among all parties in conflict with one another, and that peace may be rebuilt.
“This common prayer and the reception of the updated Charta Oecumenica are entrusted to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Europe, and of the Patron Saints of Europe,” concludes the CCEE President.
The revised Charta Oecumenica marks a significant milestone in the ecumenical journey of the Churches in Europe. 25 years on, the Charta remains a key reference document for fostering cooperation, dialogue, and common witness among Christian Churches across the continent. The revision of the Charta was undertaken by a working group mandated by the Joint Committee of the Council of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC).
The Churches are now called to engage in a deep and fruitful reception of the updated Charta Oecumenica, including renewed efforts in ecumenical dialogue, common prayer, shared witness, and formation within their respective contexts.
The CCEE Presidency Invites to Prayer for Peace during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Following the signing of the updated Charta Oecumenica that took place in Rome on 5 November 2025, H.E. Msgr. Gintaras GRUŠAS, President of the CCEE, relaunches the reception phase of the Charta in Europe by issuing a heartfelt appeal to the Presidents of the European Catholic Bishops’ Conferences to dedicate a special prayer intention for peace during the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as this unity among the Baptised in Christ is a powerful instrument of peace throughout the world.
“Prayer remains ‘the soul of the whole ecumenical movement’ (UR, 8), and it finds an especially strong expression during the annual octave of prayer for Christian unity,” Archbishop Grušas highlights in his letter to all the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences across Europe.
On the 25th anniversary of the signing of the original Charta Oecumenica which took place in Strasbourg on 22 April 2001, and amid serious ongoing threats against peace, shaped by persistent armed conflicts and geopolitical tensions in many regions of the world, the Churches are called to renew a strong common appeal to pray for peace, especially during the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, so that this unity may be achieved not only among Christians but also among all parties in conflict with one another, and that peace may be rebuilt.
“This common prayer and the reception of the updated Charta Oecumenica are entrusted to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Europe, and of the Patron Saints of Europe,” concludes the CCEE President.
The revised Charta Oecumenica marks a significant milestone in the ecumenical journey of the Churches in Europe. 25 years on, the Charta remains a key reference document for fostering cooperation, dialogue, and common witness among Christian Churches across the continent. The revision of the Charta was undertaken by a working group mandated by the Joint Committee of the Council of the European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Conference of European Churches (CEC).
The Churches are now called to engage in a deep and fruitful reception of the updated Charta Oecumenica, including renewed efforts in ecumenical dialogue, common prayer, shared witness, and formation within their respective contexts.
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