The document seeks to initiate a discussion on developing a common policy framework, and minimum common standards and procedures, for ecumenical development programmes in Europe. A fundamental principle of ecumenical partnership is to devolve decision-making responsibility as far as possible to the national and local level. The need to encourage flexibility to respond to an evolving context is also recognized. This document therefore does not seek to promote uniformity or to reduce positive diversity.

The document focuses on co-operation in ecumenical development co-operation, which is understood as one specialized part of the churches’ diaconal ministry.

The strategy framework concentrates on ecumenical co-operation in the development field, primarily where this relates to the WCC and existing multilateral programmes, especially the WCC Round Table programmes. The document does not focus on ecumenical co-operation in emergencies, which is co-ordinated by ACT-Action by Churches Together, nor does it detail co-operation in the fields of refugee and migration service, where distinct ecumenical instruments exist at the regional and global levels.

The WCC Europe Desk works in close co-operation with the appropriate structures of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) in the field of inter-church service and diaconia. The precise modalities of this co-operation are regulated by a joint agreement between the organizations .

Actions of ecumenical sharing and service are rooted in a theological and practical vision of diaconia. The ecumenical movement has contributed significant reflection to the nature of Christian service and diaconia in recent decades.

The WCC Constitution includes a call ‘to express the common concern of the churches in the service of human need, the breaking down of barriers between people, and the promotion of one human family in justice and peace’. Several ecumenical consultations form landmarks in defining the nature of ecumenical diaconia. Three of the most significant for Europe remain:

Together with other statements, these express the commitment and vision of WCC and ecumenical partners to enable churches to alleviate human suffering and to foster holistic human development, through empowerment, shared resources and mutual accountability.

The purpose of ecumenical development co-operation in Europe is to promote life with dignity, the empowerment of the poor and marginalized, and a just and democratic society. It has the following objectives:

Ecumenical development co-operation in Europe is convinced that sharing the resources of East and West strengthens the contribution of ecumenical partners. It manifests the following fundamental principles in its practice:

To work with churches, ecumenical partners and others to help themselves through a sharing of power, responsibilities and resources, and to strengthen and equip their capacity for diaconal service and development activities.

To promote lasting ecumenical partnerships of churches together, based on mutual accountability, and to foster innovative initiatives among churches and ecumenical partners through focused forms of support.

To enable churches to cooperate together and with other actors in civil society for mutual exchange and accountability through active networking, information-sharing and advocacy

To ensure a just and inclusive approaches to human development, based on the full and equitable participation of women and men.

To foster a sustainable approach to development which ensures a responsible stewardship of the earth’s resources.

To promote a holistic response to human need, linking relief, development and reconciliation in appropriate ways, and which encourages partners to connect relationships, common action and mutual responsibility.

To uphold basic human rights and peace-building as integral components of development.

To promote open dialogue and exchange to mutually support and influence priorities and policies of organizations.

Ecumenical partners use a range of available methodologies and appropriate models in responding to need, including capacity building, networking, developing alliances and resource sharing.

Special emphasis is given to the direct and active involvement of specific groups in ecumenical development co-operation, depending on the context: the marginalised and excluded, women and children, victims of conflict situations and the uprooted.

The WCC-related network of ecumenical development co-operation involves an evolving range of partners, including: national or local partner organizations; specialized agencies or networks of WCC and CEC member churches; sister church and ecumenical organizations, including CEC; and other partners according to agreement. The WCC ERPG recognizes the various roles and responsibilities of agencies and national and local partner organizations. A central co-ordination role is given to National or Ecumenical Councils of Churches, where these exist. Special emphasis is given to co-operation with APRODEV and Eurodiaconia.

The WCC-related network co-operates primarily within the framework of member churches (Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox). Co-operation with Roman Catholic and other faith-based development networks and organizations is encouraged where possible, at the regional and national levels. Co-operation with NGOs and other organizations sharing similar values and aims as ecumenical partners is facilitated where appropriate.

Cooperation between East and West is based on mutual support and accountability, taking into account the local capacities, situations and cultures, and not only predetermined policies. Therefore, western organizations implementing programmes in Eastern Europe should carefully consult with local ecumenical partners before any new operational programmatic initiatives.

In view of the complex and evolving situation in Europe, the need is to find flexible and effective instruments, which respond to practical management and co-ordination needs, and also the need for evaluation and mutual accountability among partners.

A renewed European Regional Partnership Group to accompany, monitor and co-ordinate ecumenical diaconal and development work in Europe, especially the evolving Round Table programmes in Europe, with the following main tasks:

The group would work in close relationship with the WCC Diakonia & Solidarity Team, and would maintain consultation with the appropriate CEC structures through the CEC staff representative. The group would meet regularly, at least once per year. The formation of the ERPG would be discussed, and the ERPG would be convened, by WCC in consultation with related partners. A four-person Core Group is appointed at each meeting to ensure follow-up and preparation for the next meeting with WCC staff.

An All-European Diaconal Forum to serve as a broad, open and inclusive forum to foster networking, common analysis and accountability in the rapidly-changing European context for ecumenical diaconal work, as follow-up to the Bratislava consultation (1994). The platform would serve as a broad advisory body for CEC and WCC and partners on concerns in the region.

The platform could be approved and convened by CEC governing bodies in consultation with WCC and partners, and would meet according to needs and possibilities, at least once between CEC Assemblies.

Within the WCC structure, the WCC Diakonia & Solidarity Team, informed by the WCC Common Understanding and Vision policy document, is responsible for ecumenical diaconia, resource sharing and development co-operation. The team provides the main continuity with the former Unit IV-Sharing and Service. The mandate of the team, approved by the WCC Central Committee and confirmed by the international consultation on ecumenical sharing and solidarity (Morges, October 1998) includes:

In Europe, the WCC Europe Desk is not an operational structure, but rather will give priority to capacity-building initiatives, co-ordination, skills development/transfer and information sharing activities in the social-diaconal fields. The WCC Europe Desk administers the WCC Eastern Europe Office, and employs other staff as appropriate. The WCC Europe Desk and Eastern Europe Office will maintain responsibility for convening the WCC Round Table programmes; for servicing regional co-ordination instruments; and for administering special or pilot programmes in consultation with other partners. The WCC regional desks coordinate closely with ACT-Action by Churches Together in emergency responses.

WCC also promotes ecumenical cooperation in other areas including communication, capacity building and advocacy.

The present document is a working tool for the use of the WCC ERPG network. It has authority based on free consensus of participants. It will be regularly updated and amended by ERPG annual meetings.