In the end of June we reached the sad new about passing of Kees Nieuwerth, a Quaker, respected ecologist and former Vice-President of the Council of Churches in the Netherlands was a committed contributor to work of ECEN and the Conference of European Churches.
Kees served for years as a moderator in thematic groups under auspices of CEC focused on elaborating of different aspects of care for environment and a sustainable future that were also substantially enriching work of ECEN. He was editor and co editor of several publications that were contributing to the informed pubic discussion of these themes. The most recent of them appeared under the title Every Part of Creation Matters and played the substantial role on the program of the last ECEN Assembly in Roskilde (Denmark)in 2023. He did not regret any effort to contribute in making care for creation an important part of faith and life in faith communities.
Kees was a convinced ecumenist. He firmly believed in deep meaning of the ecumenical cooperation. For that reason he was always ready to contribute in different capacities to work of Conference of European Churches, World Council of Churches, as well as work of ECEN.
Kees was appreciated especially for his wisdom, knowledge and passion for making steps towards a peaceful and sustainable world. He was a member and the leader of several working groups that were over the years setup for making steps ahead along the themes that were closest to his heart: environment, sustainable future and protection of peace. With Kees on board it was always good reason to believe that the group will achieve its aims.
Above all, Kees was a wonderful colleague and friend. The world of oikumene was indeed for him the home. His warm, commitment and friendliness will be missed by all who had a chance to work with him.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kees. He contributed significantly to the work of ECEN through his commitment to unity, care for creation and sustainable future . His wisdom and warm presence will be missed.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory. We are thankful for all what we have been able to learn from him and accept through him.
Peter Pavlovic