S i b i u – "The churches of Europe should cooperate more closely", was the joint statement released at the closing event of the Third European Ecumenical Assembly. From 4 until 9 September, 2.500 Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Christians gathered in Sibiu, Romania under the heading of “The Light of Christ Shines Upon All. Hope for Renewal and Unity in Europe.” They discussed political and social issues and sought to work for greater closeness between the churches. Numerous Baptists also participated. The closing document approved by the approximately 1.500 delegates comprised of 10 recommendations for the churches of Europe, including that discussions on the understanding of baptism should continue. 

The closing document unfortunately paid no consideration to a concern brought forward by the European Baptist Federation (EBF) in a joint letter approved by the Baptist delegates from Germany, Georgia, Great Britain, Italy, Russia, Sweden and Hungary. The letter states that Baptists cannot accept a statement which “makes the baptism of believers and that of infants equivalent acts.” They hold the baptism of infants to be unbiblical: “It is very difficult for Baptists to see how ‘our common baptism’ can ever become a basis for the visible unity of the whole church.” Baptists view an equal recognition of the different ways of baptism as “unhelpful” and “ecumenically divisive” which will exclude not only Baptists but also the Salvation Army and the Quakers who do not practice baptism at all. Baptists specifically requested that the closing statement in Sibiu mention Baptist concerns. EBF General-Secretary Tony Peck (Prague) noted with regret that this did not occur. He commented on the importance of more conversations in the future within the Conference of European Churches (CEC) on the issue of baptism.

The assembly’s closing document calls for an increase in joint activities between churches. The activities mentioned include theological education and joint study programs, ecumenical pilgrimages, social and charitable initiatives as well as cultural projects. Delegates called on the churches to do more for peace, justice and care for creation. Assembly participants appealed to European governments to no longer imprison unjustly those wishing to immigrate. Churches were also called to increase their counselling work among immigrants. The closing document recommended “the support of initiatives for the cancellation of debt and the promotion of trade justice.”

Regina Claas (Elstal), General-Secretary of the German Baptist Union, described the outcome of the sessions as “generally positive.” In conversations with EBPS she spoke of one particular success: “Fifty years ago it would have been impossible for Christians of such different traditions to jointly celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ. That is often forgotten when we think of ecumenical progress.” She had come to Sibiu hoping to learn as much as possible about Orthodox spirituality: “Liturgy is actually quite alien to us. But unfortunately, the programme was too full to allow time for deeper conversations.” Claas also expressed that she wished that there could have been more delegate participation during the meetings.

Karin Wiborn (Sundbyberg), General-Secretary of the Swedish Baptist Union, also stressed the importance of Baptists seeking contact with believers from other confessions. She was most impressed by the speech of an Orthodox priest on spirituality: “Where I found stimulation for my own personal faith.” She agreed with the Assembly’s closing statement and hopes that Europe’s Baptists will act on its 10 recommendations.

Tony Peck gave a short word of greeting at the opening session. He expressed hope that the Assembly might contribute to a renewed vision for the true power of the Gospel “to speak to the deepest needs of Europe.” His statement after the closing event was more subdued, noting that the Baptist voice was hardly audible. Yet the mere fact that the event occurred is in itself a success, as Christians are called to “build God’s kingdom in Europe.”

Peck was pleased that Sven-Gunnar Liden, Swedish Chairperson of the EBF’s Anti-Trafficking (forced prostitution) Commission, could participate in the meetings and make many new contacts. Estonian Helle Liht (Prague) also met many Christians interested in increased cooperation on environmental protection. Liht hopes to form an EBF working group on environmental protection in 2008. Additionally, the sessions were important because of the opportunity for Baptists from throughout Europe to meet with the local Baptist congregation of Sibiu. Every evening prayers were offered for the success of the conference. Peck was also spiritually enriched by a Taizé evening: “There they emphasised that we can find unity by worshipping together.”

The conclusions of representatives from other confessions were also subdued. The Orthodox Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima (Istanbul) when speaking to journalists said that “we are still separated and we have experienced that reality here.” According to CEC President Jean-Arnold de Clermont (Paris), theological barriers such as joint communion should be lowered during the coming years. Ishmael Noko (Geneva), General-Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation, expressed the hope that Christians from all confessions might “celebrate communion jointly at our Lord’s table” on the occasion of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary in 2017. 

The Third Ecumenical Assembly was organised by the Catholic Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (St. Gallen) and the Conference of European Churches (Geneva). The first two European Ecumenical Assemblies took place in Basel, Switzerland (1989) and in Graz, Austria (1997).