EYCE Press Release: EYCE ExCo meets in Svätý Jur, Slovakia

The Executive Committee (ExCo) of the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE) met for their scheduled meeting from 31st of May to 4th of June 2012 in Svätý Jur, Slovakia. The ExCo also took the opportunity to travel to Vienna in order to meet with the representatives of EYCE’s Austrian Member Organisation Ökumenischer Jugendrat in Österreich and the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE). In addition, the ExCo met the former EYCE ExCo member Dr. Július Filo. Of great interest was also a meeting with Marek Hrivňàk, who represents youth ministries in Bratislava, which encompass a vast network of young people.

The ExCo reviewed and evaluated the work that has been done since their last meeting in February 2012 in Brussels. Much time during the meeting was dedicated to the preparation of the events of this year, especially the work done on EYCE’s Campaign to Promote Ecological Justice. Also, the cooperation with various partners of EYCE, such as Forum of European Muslim Youth and Student Organisations (FEMYSO), Conference of European Churches (CEC) and World Council of Churches (WCC) was discussed. Special attention was given to stabilizing EYCE’s financial situation and the newly established Financial Advisory Committee.

The ExCo took time to further plan the upcoming Meeting of National Correspondents, which is foreseen to take place in Poland in October 2012. The precise dates will be communicated to the member organisations in the coming weeks.

The ExCo continued outlining the themes and events for 2013, planning the events in the second half of the year more concretely.

The foreseen events for the year 2013 are:

  • 10th – 17th March 2013, “Shape democracy! Youth leaders promoting participation and equality”, Romania.
  • 2nd – 9th June 2013, “Learn.Engage.Lead. Ecumenical training to foster the participation of young people in international settings”, The Netherlands.
  • 18th – 25th August 2013, “Be the Generation of Peace! A seminar to enhance the participation and contribution of young people to peace processes”, Serbia.
  • 24th November – 1st December 2013, the closing study session of EYCE’s Campaign to Promote Ecological Justice.

Alongside other activities in 2013, EYCE’s 39th General Meeting will take place in October 2013.

The meeting also provided time for meetings held alongside the working sessions. In Vienna the members of EYCE ExCo met with the General Secretary of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE), Bishop Michael Bünker, in order to discuss a possible cooperation between CPCE and EYCE, as well as discuss the role of young people in CPCE.

In addition to that meeting, the ExCo met with Ms. Katherine Jolly, the National Correspondent of the EYCE’s Austrian Member Organisation Ökumenischer Jugendrat in Österreich, as well as young people being part of the organisation. The work and cooperation of both organisations were discussed, as well as possibilities of Austrian young people to participate in EYCE’s activities. The ExCo was also taken for a short tour in Vienna before leaving for Bratislava.

In the town of Svätý Jur the ExCo had a unique opportunity to reconnect with one of EYCE’s alumni, as it met the former EYCE ExCo member and Vice-Chairperson Dr. Július Filo. Dr. Filo is also a emeritus Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Slovakia and a professor in the Faculty of Theology. The ExCo was delighted to hear about EYCE’s life in the early 1980-ties and discussed challenges shared with Dr. Filo. The ExCo received a kind invitation for an informal meeting with Dr. Filo and Mrs. Filova, which offered a great opportunity to further discuss and exchange experiences.

On its day in Bratislava the ExCo had an opportunity to meet with Marek Hrivňàk, who represents youth ministries in Bratislava, which encompass a vast network of young people. The work of both organisations was presented and possibilities for cooperation discussed. The meeting offered a good perspective of increasing the number of Slovakian young people at EYCE’s activities!

EYCE’s Executive Committee is grateful to all the people, who helped organising this meeting, especially the Slovakian National Correspondent Miroslav Mato!