64 65 Ecumenical Conciliar Process 1989 ... The European Ecumenical Assembly PEACE WITH JUSTICE, held in Basel from 15 to 21 May 1989 has proved to be an important landmark in ecumenical co-operation. The decision to hold the European Assembly PEACE WITH JUSTICE was taken at the CEC General Assembly in 1986. We, almost 700 delegates from the 120 member churches of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the 27 Bishops' Conferences of the Council of European Bishops Conferences (CCEE) rejoice in the wide representation from the churches and peoples of Europe. At the same time, we note with regret that no Christians residing in Albania were able to attend the Assembly. The decision of CEC followed the call of the Vancouver 1983 General Assembly of the World Council of Churches to its member churches to enter into a "conciliar process of mutual commitment (covenant) for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation". Most of the member churches of the CEC understand the Basel Assembly as a contribution in this "conciliar process". Other churches taking part in the Assembly prefer not to use the term "conciliar process". But all the churches represented in Basel agree that they are committed to an ecumenical process for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. 74. We consider it a scandal and a crime that irreparable damage continues to be inflicted on creation. We recognise the need for a new partnership between humans and the rest of nature. We commit ourselves to no longer act at the expense of others or cause new problems when solving our problems. Our goal is an international environmental order. 75. We consider it vital for humanity to abolish war as an institution and to overcome deterrence based on weapons of mass destruction. We consider it a necessity to progressively rid the world of all weapons of mass destruction. We are committed to the non-violent resolution of conflicts throughout the world. We want to contribute to the establishment of an international peace order. In particular, we must jointly enter into concrete agreements that form the basis for an international peace order. 76. We consider it vitally important to recognise that the treasures of this earth must be shared with future generations and future life. We therefore commit ourselves to a new lifestyle in our churches, societies, families and communities. 77. As Christians, we live in God's covenant with ourselves and all of creation. We all belong to the one body of Christ. Because God changes our hearts and minds, we as Christians also enter into a covenant with one another. We are obliged to prioritise loyalty to Him, our God. All other loyalties (to the state, culture or social group, etc.) are secondary to this. This is the reason for our commitment to justice, peace and the integrity of creation. 6.2 Recommendations 78. We recommit ourselves to being the Church, the body of Christ and the people of God. We call on our churches and all Christians in Europe to stand up for justice, peace and the integrity of creation, as set out in the following recommendations. 79. We consider it essential that the vital concerns of justice, peace and the integrity of creation are not separated from the Church's mission to proclaim the Gospel. We therefore commit ourselves to proclaiming God's offer of new life in Christ to all people. 80. We encourage the formation of ecumenical "shalom ministries". Women and men who engage in such ministry will recognise their own church as part of the servant people of God among all peoples. We commit ourselves to spreading this active spirit of shalom. 81. In particular, we want to keep our efforts within the structural framework provided by the CSCE process and, at the global level, by the United Nations, and ask others to do the same. … 100. Make us instruments of the renewal of Your creation. Conference of European Churches, Council of European Bishops' Conferences, European Ecumenical Assembly PEACE IN JUSTICE , 15-21 May 1989, Basel/Switzerland
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