Following the Second World War, there was a real need in Europe to overcome political divisions, and work for healing and peace. CEC emerged as a peacebuilding effort in 1959, building bridges between the East and the West during the Cold War.

Today CEC is a fellowship of 115 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old-Catholic churches from all countries of Europe. A network of National Councils of Churches keeps CEC connected to national and regional concerns and Organisations in Partnership develop CECs’ expertise in a number of areas, including public theology, peace and reconciliation, and human rights, with strong participation of women and youth in the churches. 

Grounded in theological reflection, CEC engages in dialogue with European institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg, promoting peace and reconciliation, human rights, including Freedom of Religion and Belief.

As a fellowship of churches, CEC stands united and seeks to contribute to shape the future of Europe. A Europe, in which justice, peace, human dignity, human rights and the flourishing of creation prevails. In order to achieve this CEC cooperates with all people of good will.

Participatory status in : 2003 and Consultative status in: 1988

Geographical Representation:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Accreditations: Council of Europe, European Parliament, European Commission, UN-ECOSOC.

The focus of our engagement lies on:

• Public theology (referring to a theology in dialogue with present questions and discussions in society)
• Just Peace
• Human Rights
• Advocacy on current European political issues towards the European institutions

• Contributions to public consultations organised by the European Union