An important ecumenical and peace policy conference took place in Helsinki, 1.-3.12.25: Resisting Empire, Promoting Peace: Churches Confront the ‘Russian World’ ideology
As an ‘organisation in partnership’ with the Conference of European Churches (CEC), Church and Peace is represented by Antje Heider-Rottwilm on the planning committee of the ‘Pathways to Peace’ project.
In December 2024, a consultation on the concept of “just peace” was held in Warszaw, at which Mennonite theologian Neal Blough gave a presentation on behalf of Church and Peace. The second conference took place from 1 to 3 December 2025, this time on the theme: Resisting Empire, Promoting Peace: Churches Confront the “Russian World” ideology. It was organised and hosted by the Conference of European Churches (CEC)/Pathways to Peace, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Orthodox Church of Finland. Around 90 church leaders and representatives of churches, national church councils, ecumenical partners and academics came to Helsinki.
The final statement summarises the most important insights and proposals for action for the European churches and is worth careful consideration.
Further information on the conference and “Pathways to Peace” can be found on their website.