Of different denominations, but with a common basis
Together for Europe participated in the 28th European Prayer Breakfast, an annual event held in Brussels, an initiative created to bring together Christians from various Churches and denominations who are involved in various roles (parliamentarians, experts, supporters) related to the institutions of the European Union. It was an opportunity to forge new friendships, consolidate old ones and learn about the rich world of Christians who are working to promote peace and harmony among the peoples of Europe. In line with the aims of Together for Europe, MEP Mavridis of Cyprus, a member of the International Assembly on Orthodoxy (I.A.O.), introduced the breakfast session with the following words: ‘Even though we are from different denominations, Jesus is the common base that unites us.’
Jeff Fountain (Netherlands), Alberto Lo Presti (Italy) and Maria Wienken (Germany), participating on behalf of Together for Europe, had some wonderful and fruitful meetings with some special friends: Eduard Heger, former Prime Minister of Slovakia, who encouraged us to continue to support MEPs in their commitment to Christian politics; Miriam Lexmann, who renewed her willingness to collaborate in view of an upcoming meeting in May at the European Parliament; and others who were eager to learn about the experience of Together for Europe.
Beyond the numbers
Prior to this event, an interesting seminar organised by the Secretariat of Art.17, responsible for ‘Dialogue between religions and non-confessional visions’, entitled ‘Beyond the numbers’ took place. The aim was to focus on the European balance sheet in terms of encouraging dialogue and relations between the religious and philosophical conceptions that nourish the European spirit. The parliamentary chamber in which the event took place appeared as a colourful mosaic of religions, philosophical traditions, spiritual inspirations and cultural institutions. Yet there was no air of confusion. Commitment to Europe was the common denominator, confirming that this is the era of networking, of moving forward together, seeking to increase dialogue and encounters between those who care about the destiny of the Old Continent and, with it, the destiny of humanity.
The contribution of Together for Europe
In this regard, the contribution of Together for Europe was recognised as indispensable by Antonella Sberna, Italian MEP and Vice-President of Article 17 EU, who fondly recalled the event on 15 May and offered her support for a future event in May 2026. There were also cordial greetings with the President of COMECE, Monsignor Crociata, and the Secretary, Reverend Barroso, as well as with the two representatives of the KEK. German MEP Monika Hohlmeier expressed interest in learning more about our network, and we agreed to meet in Germany.
In conclusion, we were able to participate in two events held at the European Parliament: one on multilateralism, entitled ‘The role of Europe in UN reform,’ with speakers such as Nicola Zingaretti and Lucia d’Annunziata, and another on ‘The role of faith in building social cohesion,’ promoted by Prof. Mc. Donagh of the Centre for Religions, Human Values and International Relations. At the latter event, the Together for Europe network was also briefly presented, arousing appreciation and interest.
I am in Ukraine for the third time in a year. I see a country at its limit after almost four years of war. The resilience of the people is incredible, but the tension is palpable everywhere. Nerves are frayed, and this is more than understandable.
Winter without electricity, water, and heating, alarms and continuous bombings at every hour of the day and night: all of this is now an integral part of daily life. It is a life of permanent insecurity, a life at the mercy of threats.
A minute of silence and respect
Despite the chaos, there are moments of deep solidarity and reflection that keep the country united. Every morning at nine o’clock, a song of national resistance echoes through the streets of Ukraine. Public life comes to a standstill for a minute. The supermarket cashier stops scanning items, the man at the café sets his coffee cup down on the table, and the librarian at the book counter pauses. This minute is dedicated to the memory and respect of fallen soldiers and all those who are holding the line on the front. It is a moving daily ceremony that draws attention to the victims of the war.
Where prayers save lives
Being close to death profoundly changes one’s perspective on life and faith. A young man who was fighting on the front told me, ‘In the face of death, there are no atheists. Even men who are not believers, in that moment, plead: “Say a prayer for me too, because I don’t know how to pray.”‘ Another soldier recounted an ambush in which his unit fell: ‘We were under heavy enemy fire. Miraculously, the bullet lodged in my bulletproof vest. Many people all over the world are praying for us, and I know for certain that one of those prayers saved my life.’
Beatriz Lauenroth, press officer of Together for Europe
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 “Great moments 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>>
On 6 May, in the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, we took part in the usual Taizé prayer.
The prayer was for Europe, with about 50 people present: it was very solemn and ecumenical, with representatives from different Churches. The intentions were prepared and read by us, at the request by the young organisers. A young friend of our network, who is now a candidate for the national parliament, was also present.
We came from four Movements: Schoenstatt, Sant’Egidio, Chemin Neuf and Focolari.
When we talk about Europe today, we talk about economic problems, disputes, conflicts and wars. Sometimes one might think that Europe is disintegrating. ‘This danger makes the work of the Together for Europe (TfE) network, which emphasises the spiritual roots of the continent, all the more valuable,’ says a journalist who has been following the network for some time.
Influencing Peace in Europe
In April 2025, the customary meeting of the Steering Committee took place in Bratislava, Slovakia. For the first time in a Central and Eastern European country, the group was hosted by the charismatic Catholic network ENC (European network of communities). Eighteen people from seven Movements and five countries represented the European network in Bratislava, among them Margaret Karram, president of the Focolare Movement, Gerhard Pross, current TfE moderator, and other leaders from Quinta Dimensione, Vineyard, Schönstatt and various YMCAs in Germany. ‘TfE would like to be at the service for Europe. Internally we are constantly practising building unity in diversity. And through this experience TfE positively influences the commitment to peace in Europe.’ This is what was affirmed by Sr. Nicole Grochowina, Christusbruderschaft in Selbitz. And then she quoted Isaiah 43:19: ‘Behold, I do a new thing, do you not see?’
A breathtaking overview
This spirit of innovation could be felt, for example, when representatives of seven local Movements, local Christian politicians (Eduard Heger, Miriam Lexmann, Viliam Karas and Branislav Skripek) and personalities from the ecclesiastical world arrived at the meeting; among them there was the nuncio Monsignor Nicola Girasoli. In a breathtaking overview, the Movements made their charisms and commitments known, many of them in the world of youth. It was a unique opportunity for mutual acquaintance not only with TfE, but also with each other and with the political world. Slovakia, politically tried, shows great inner strength. There was a profound feeling between everyone present. The next morning, representatives of ENC Slovakia arrived with their president, Alex Myskov, and expounded the reality of their network. As TfE and ENC got to know each other better, it was evident how quickly friendship grows.
Shouting from the rooftops
‘It is more important than ever not to put the experience of TfE under the bushel, but to ‘shout it from the rooftops’. Thus Margaret Karram, to encourage the Committee for future steps. She continues: ‘TfE gives an impetus to Europe to breathe with two lungs, that is, to live the dialogue between East and West’. The plans for the future, e.g. a large meeting in 2027, will be discussed in more detail at the Meeting of the Friends of TfE from 6 to 8 November 2025 in Castel Gandolfo/Rome.
The Taizé community is ecumenically oriented and has regular prayer times in the morning, at noon and in the evening, during which the famous Taizé songs, Bible reading, shared silence and participation in communion play a central role. The 60 or so brothers invite young people from all over the world to participate in their life for a week. In fact, about a thousand Portuguese young people were in Taizé at the same time as our delegation.
Meeting
The shared reading from the book of Joel (2:12-18) led the delegation to a conversation with the prior of the community, Brother Matthew, and Brothers Richard and Andreas. The text struck the readers precisely in reference to Europe, where it says: ‘Tear your hearts and not your garments’. The appeal is addressed to all generations, that they approach God with sincere devotion and ask for his mercy. On this the group agreed. Being in contact with so many young people, the brothers of Taizé also have an insight into their fears, for which they feel an urgent need to be accompanied. Taizé is therefore undoubtedly a spiritual place for young people, where they find a listening ear and understanding.
A Bridge to link Together for Europe?
How can a bridge now be built between Taizé and TfE? The trio recognised that the Brothers’ charism and their contribution to the whole, and consequently also to Europe, lies in their closeness to young people, their fidelity to their prayers and their hospitality. Now the next steps must be identified together, starting with the friendship that has become deeper. And who knows? Perhaps in the future there will be a ‘Together for Europe’ meeting of young people in Taizé? We, together with the brothers, can certainly imagine it.
Impressions
Sister Nicole, Father Raffael and Matthias returned home happy and full of joy. ‘Besides the meeting with the Taizé brothers, these days brought us closer to each other – we are among the youngest in our Steering Committee. We need such experiences. The trips we make together and the meetings with the different Movements we visit make us realise: ‘Together in Europe is alive and we go on together!’
