by Together for Europe | 28 Oct 2025 | Experiences, reflections and interviews, News
Twenty-five years ago, something happened that many thought impossible: Christians from different denominations, movements and communities began to listen together to God’s call to unity. These first meetings gave rise to the ecumenical network Together for Europe, which today brings together numerous and varied movements and communities across the continent.
The book “Highlights of Unity” (Sternstunden der Einheit) by Gerhard Proß and Lothar Penners traces this history of reconciliation and spiritual growth, offering numerous personal testimonies of the journey taken together.
This is not simply a chronicle, but an invitation to recognise how faith can transcend boundaries and build bridges, not only between Churches, but also within society.
The volume brings together experiences, reflections and speeches that document 25 years of shared life and invites us, in a time of division, to cultivate a “culture of togetherness”, based on mutual love and the power of the Gospel.
The book will be published in November 2025, initially only in German.
For further information and details (in German), see the page on the Together for Europe website in Germany: click here>>
See also the presentation of the book on the Schoenstatt Movement website: click here>>
by Together for Europe | 24 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day, Local Events, News
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the city of Strasbourg organised a fair with entertainment for children and some 20 stands run by pro-European institutions and associations. All this was in the context of Europe Day.
The Committee of Together for Europe in Strasbourg decided to participate in the event.
First and foremost, this helped to strengthen the group, both in the preparation and management of the stand. In addition, it enabled interesting contacts and important discussions with the public. It was also an opportunity to forge links, in particular with other exhibitors at the fair. This broadened our dialogue with associations that are committed on a civil level to a more solidarity-based European project.
The event concluded with an ecumenical celebration at the Temple Neuf, a Lutheran church in the centre of Strasbourg. At a historic moment when war has returned to Europe’s doorstep and the European project seems threatened, Orthodox, Catholic, Evangelical and Anglican pastors and faithful gathered for a moment of prayer. It centred on the words of the Schuman Declaration and reiterated the common commitment to peace. A future of peace in Europe and in the world – so it was said – will depend on those who know that they are heirs to a strong history and are committed to living in fraternity. This is the best way to help realise Europe’s motto: ‘United in diversity’.
TfE Strasbourg Team
Photo: Michel Batt /Valérie Velten
by Together for Europe | 6 May 2025 | Austria
You’re all invited to an inspiring and diverse evening featuring reflections, personal stories, and musical contributions.
📅 Thursday, May 8, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Online via Zoom
🌍 Event language: German
What’s on the program?
- Prayers and musical contributions
Click here to download the flyer and access the Zoom meeting link >>
by Together for Europe | 5 May 2025 | uncategorised
On the occasion of Europe Day, Friday 9 May, Together for Europe will take part in the Europe Fair organised by the city of Strasbourg, alongside the European institutions and numerous associations involved in European integration.
On 9 May, at the Place du Château, from 13:00 to 18:30
members of the network will welcome visitors with information panels, texts and a specially prepared brochure entitled: “If you don’t know where you’re going, look where you came from!
The aim is to initiate conversations with passers-by about the historical and cultural roots of Europe, and to present emblematic figures who, inspired by Christian and humanist values, contributed to the building of modern Europe.
The day will conclude with an
ecumenical celebration at 18:00 in the central Lutheran church Temple Neuf,
prepared by the leaders of the various Christian churches active in Together for Europe in Strasbourg.
A moment of reflection and spirituality to renew together the commitment to a united and supportive Europe.
The Together for Europe team in Strasbourg
by Together for Europe | 3 May 2025 | 2025 Europe Day
Seventy-five years after the Schuman Declaration, the European Parliament will host a special event on 15 May entitled ‘A Soul for 21st Century Europe’, promoted by the ecumenical network Together for Europe (TfE). The initiative aims to rediscover the spiritual dimension and the value of peace that animated the founding fathers of the Union, offering insights into contemporary challenges.
Following a musical opening and a welcome by MEP Miriam Lexmann and TfE moderator Gerhard Pross, there will be a speech by Jeff Fountain (Schumancenter, Netherlands) on the deep meaning of the Schuman Declaration.
A key moment will be a discussion between MEPs from different political groups, including Miriam Lexmann, Leoluca Orlando, Antonella Sberna and a French MEP, to reflect on the relevance of Schuman’s legacy.
The second part of the event will feature young people, with an international panel discussion and political testimonies, including that of European MP Cristina Guarda. Personalities from the ecclesial and political world, such as Father Manuel Barrios Prieto, Metropolitan Nikitas Ioan Vulpesku of the Romanian Parliament, former Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger and Prof. Alberto Lo Presti will contribute to the discussions.
This will surely be an opportunity to imagine the future of Europe in the light of its founding values, as we promote memory, dialogue and hope.
In the afternoon, there will be a prayer meeting in the Chapel for Europe with the aim of reflecting on political responsibility and reconciliation in Europe. The programme includes Bible readings, prayers of thanksgiving, asking for forgiveness and intercessions for Europe, peace and for politicians. The ceremony will end with the ‘Prayer and Covenant Pact for Europe’ and a final blessing. Music and multi-lingual songs will enrich the meeting.
Link to streaming (2.30 p.m. – 3.45 p.m.): https://youtube.com/live/_py9ME16m4w?feature=share
The international secretariat of Together for Europe
