The 2001 ECEN Assembly met from 26-31 May, in Raubichi near Minsk, Belarus. The main theme of the Assembly was "energy" – the development of an environmentally sound energy supply; the possibilities and methods to save energy. Many of the Network's working coalitions already deal either directly or indirectly with energy issues. One of the main outcomes of the Assembly was a Discussion Paper for the Churches on Energy.
The agenda also explored a deepening of the theological rationale for the Churches' engagement in environmental issues. Aidan Hart an Orthodox speaker from the UK gave a keynote talk
For the duration of the Assembly, the geographic context of Belarus was of great significance. Excursions as well as meetings with NGOs and Church spokesmen from Belarus provided the participants with first hand information about the country and its environmental and church context. In several ways, the Assembly has therefore constituted a forum for an extraordinary encounter between East and West on environmental issues.
The Assembly took place at Raubichi, which is a winter sports training centre, situated in pleasant rolling country beside a lake about 30km outside Minsk. Our closeness to the natural beauty of Belarus was much appreciated as we gathered to consider our care for God's creation. The address is Raubichi, Minsk District, Republic of Belarus, 223068, Tel.: +375-17-507 44 42.
We met at the kind invitation of the Patriarchal Exarch of all Belarus, H.E. Metropolit Philaret of Minsk and Slutsk, pictured here at his headquarters with representatives from the ECEN Assembly.
The Raubichi Assembly was ably organised locally by the International Voluntary Association Saints Methodius and Cyrill Christian Educational Center, based in Minsk. We give our grateful thanks for Gregori, Andrei and their team of very hard workers who did so much to make our time in Raubichi enjoyable and efficiently run.
To contact the International Voluntary Association Saints Methodius and Cyrill Christian Educational Center, email to info@cmc.minsk.by
Back to Top of Page
european christian environmental network
Our Hosts
Or phone or fax to : +375-17-229 20 55.
Go to ECEN Website Map
Go to ECEN Orientation Page
Go to ECEN Organisation and Statements
Go to ECEN Home Page
Peter Pavlovic
| Conference of European Churches
Ecumenical Centre
|
Rue Joseph II 174
BE-1000 Brussels
|
Belgium
tel :
00 32 2 230 1732
| fax :
00 32 2 231 1413
email :
ecen@cec-kek.be
|
web: www.ecen.org
