The Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) launched the Updated Charta Oecumenica on 5 November 2025. This joint document marks a milestone in the ecumenical journey of European churches, renewing their commitment to walk together in dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared witness in response to the challenges of our time.
The updated Charta was officially signed by His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, the Orthodox President of Churches Together in England, in his role as President of CEC. The co-signatory was Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of Vilnius, President of CCEE. Together, they affirmed the renewed dedication to continue building bridges between churches in Europe.
“The Charta is a visible expression of hope for the Christian world as it shows that we can agree on matters, work together, and make a statement to a world of chaos that truth and hope still exist,” said Archbishop Nikitas.
The General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland Dr Nicola Brady, who was at the signing ceremony, said: “In this Nicaea 1700 anniversary year, we have been reflecting on the progress we have made on our ecumenical journey to date, seeking as we do so to renew and deepen our commitment to the work of unity. The updated Charta, developed through extensive consultation and prayerful discernment, is a valuable resource in that work. It helps us to identify and build on the achievements of recent decades and challenges us to go further, suggesting concrete objectives and steps we might take.”
Addressing a changing European landscape
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. It addresses the pressing needs of today’s world, including the pursuit of peace and reconciliation, the embrace of migrants and refugees, the urgent call to safeguard creation, and the deepening of relationships with Jewish and Muslim communities.
The document also offers a Christian reflection on the ethical dimensions of new technologies, and it amplifies the role of youth as active contributors and leaders in ecumenism. A central focus throughout is the commitment to offer a united Christian voice in the public sphere—one grounded in compassion, justice, and shared responsibility for the future of Europe.
Download the Updated Charta Œcumenica document.
A document born of broad consultation
This version of the Charta was developed through an extensive and inclusive consultation process involving churches, bishops’ conferences, and ecumenical organisations across Europe and beyond. While it carries no legal or doctrinal authority, its strength lies in the moral and spiritual commitment of churches to receive and implement it freely and contextually.
Churches are encouraged to integrate the Charta into their worship, theological education, inter-church dialogue, and community life. It is intended to be a living resource that fosters an ecumenical culture of cooperation and shared mission – from the grassroots to the continental level.
A papal endorsement
The presidents of CEC and CCEE presented the revised Charta Œcumenica to Pope Leo XIV during a private audience at the Vatican on the day after signing.
Pope Leo pointed to the changing context in which churches now serve, noting that many Christian communities in Europe “sense themselves increasingly to be in a minority” in societies marked by diversity and new cultural expressions. He stressed the need for openness and welcome, saying, “There are… many new voices to be heard and stories that must be welcomed through daily encounters and closer relationships, not to mention the urgency of promoting dialogue, concord and fraternity amidst the din of violence and war.”
Read more about the Charta Œcumenica.
Photo credit: Council of European Bishops’ Conferences