| We believe in One World - Everyone and everything in harmony with God and each other |
| Europe needs a vision - A new sense of unity and common humanity as a gift of God |
| Change happens at the grass-roots - Movement for change begins at the local level |
| Meeting people can break down the barriers- Taking the risk of facing our own prejudices |
| Church Twinning is a Partnership - Church and Community working together for the new vision |
We believe in One World"Ecumenism" doesn't just mean church unity. The original Greek root of the word means "the whole created order" and is the vision of everything and everyone that God has made being brought back into harmony and unity. (see the box below.) One World is about justice and peace for all. What responsibility has the European Union to the rest of the world, not just in terms of trading but in the just sharing of wealth? How large can the E.U. become and still remain true to the vision of its founding fathers? Indeed, is that early vision of a united and reconciled Europe any nearer to fulfillment as we move further into a new Millennium?Top of page 
Europe needs a visionThe hopes and celebrations when the Berlin Wall was demolished quickly gave way to disillusion and "ethnic cleansing". War has continued, fascism has been reborn, whole nations have been uprooted. In 1992 Jacques Delors, then President of the European Union, talked of "giving Europe a soul", and gave a time-scale for this of just ten years. Are we any further towards achieving his vision? The Churches and other faith communities have a valuable contribution to make in helping create a new sense of unity and common humanity. So what have the Churches to offer in the search for peace with justice, for a new vision of sharing the wealth of the nations and of the earth?Top of page Change happens at the grass-rootsThere are now several Agreements in force between Churches in Europe. (go here for some information.) For example,
Top of page Meeting people can break down the barriersMany people resist the opportunity to meet folk from a different country - the British are not known for their willingness to speak in foreign languages! But when people can be persuaded to take the risk of meeting across the cultures and languages, trust and friendship follow and the old prejudices begin to disappear.
Language is not a problem - you can begin to understand with a dictionary and a sense of humour! There are always people who can translate when necessary. Discovering what we have in common is like opening a door to fresh air - it's invigorating and so refreshing, and you'll wonder why you've never done it before!
Top of page Church Twinning is a PartnershipThere are hundreds of communities - regions, cities, towns and villages - all across Continental Europe that are twinned with U.K. communities. Sometimes the churches are invited to take part, but all too often there's not much church involvement apart from a civic service of welcome. There are many ways in which Church and Community can work together in Twinning. |
| The Guide to Church Twinning may be helpful. |
| Find out here about Community (civic) Twinning. |
