PRESS RELEASE No. 2

The Youth Preparatory Meeting: an "ecumenical salad", not a soup!

Strasbourg, 19th April 2001 - More than 100 young people - from the Atlantic coast to the Urals, from Norway to Crete - took part in the Youth Preparatory Meeting of the European Ecumenical Encounter which opened today in Strasbourg, France. The youth began their meeting on Tuesday evening, alternating discussions on the Charta Oecumenica with sharing of experiences and projects, personal exchange and prayer.

The results of the meeting - held in the Protestant centre "CIARUS" (YMCA) - were summed up today by Christopher Docherty, a young Roman Catholic from Scotland. Speaking at the opening press conference, he said: "At the youth meeting we felt we are all Orthodox, all Catholics, all Protestants and Evangelicals. But that doesn't mean that we are - so to say - an 'ecumenical soup', where all elements are whipped into an indistinct homogeneous gravy. On the contrary, our fellowship could be described as an 'ecumenical salad' where all colours and flavors - united through the 'seasoning' of the Holy Spirit - can still be seen and tasted".

"Young Christians from all over Europe," added Docherty, "are excited about the opportunity to engage in dialogue with church leaders, and are expecting not only to receive, but also to speak about their cares". As for the Charta Oecumenica, Docherty said, "it is already in the hearts of the young people. We are waiting for its signature, and we hope these words will become flesh. Ecumenical dialogue isn't a choice for the youth. In a continent divided by present conflicts and scars from the past, it is an absolute priority."