PRESS RELEASE Nr. 6

Testimonials of Faith at the Council of Europe

Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly General Secretary emphasises common tasks for churches and Council of Europe

Strasbourg, 20 April 2001 - "How do I describe the meaning of Jesus Christ for my personal life and in my work?" This was the central question for the delegates at the European Ecumenical Encounter as they gathered on Friday afternoon at the Council of Europe.

Vlad Namescu from Romania; John Murry, Council of Europe staff member from England; Julia Kokoshari from Albania; Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, French, from the Vatican; the Very Rev. Margarethe Isberg from Sweden; Brother Luc from Taizé, France; and Dr. Michael Wenninger, adviser to the European Commission from Austria, gave personal testimonials to the development of their faith and their faith experiences.

Vlad Namescu came to his faith through encounters with many persons and their faith witness in daily life; he brought a pair of worn-out sandals as the symbol of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. John Murry finds his faith helpful in dealing with his failures and inability to live up to his own ideals, knowing that he is forgiven by Christ. The symbol of faith in Christ for him is a book of photos about the Sinti and Roma peoples in Europe, because, he said, he has especially experienced Christ in his work with them. Julia Kokoshari told a story in which Christ appeared to her in the form of a neighbour in need; she brought an icon as the symbol of her faith. Cardinal Etchegary spoke of his experience that it is always God who takes the first step; he emphasised the liberating power of the Gospel, which takes away all one's fears. His faith symbol was the cross which he received 32 years ago when he was consecrated a bishop. For Dean Isberg, the most fitting symbol for Christ is a full pitcher of water, the water of life and renewal. Brother Luc from Taizé especially wanted to communicate to the young people his experience that God never withdraws his love from anyone; as his symbol he showed an icon of Christ. Dr. Michael Wenninger said that he receives strength for his political work in many crisis areas from the knowledge that for Christians, the reality of Good Friday is followed by the message of Christ's victory on Easter Sunday.

In his words of welcome before the testimonials, General Secretary Bruno Haller of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly stressed that the Council of Europe and the churches have many values and goals in common. Defence of human rights, the struggle against the use of torture and the death penalty, and protection of minorities are important tasks for the Council, which was founded in 1949 and currently has 43 member states.