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"In place of the old divisions, new ones have emerged (…) There is a real threat that the old iron curtain will be replaced by a new silver curtain (…) every dweller in the continent, rich or poor, Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, non-Christian or non-believer, coming from the east, west or centre of Europe, should be sure his interests are adequately and equitably represented (…) and that life, health and property are protected against any threats and disasters'.

Patriarch Alexis II of Moscow, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Second European Ecumenical Assembly, Graz, June 1997

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The ten years of transition since the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe after 1989 have had a profound impact on the life and witness of churches in the Europe region. New opportunities and unprecedented freedom have been accompanied by social upheavals, and in some regions, violent conflict.

The World Council of Churches' Europe Desk and Eastern Europe Office serve churches and other ecumenical partners to develop and coordinate their social and diaconal ministry and service in the Europe region, and to respond more effectively to the needs and reality of their societies.