The Conference of European Churches and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences adopted an historic charter April 22, committing themselves to future dialogue, cooperation, and to specific “ecumenical responsibilities.” The document, entitled “Charter Oecumenica,” represents an agreement between the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, many Protestant churches, and the Anglican Church in Europe.

“This is a significant document—the first ecumenical charter for European churches,” says Dr. Bert Beach, director of inter-church relations for the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide.  “It reflects ecumenical concerns and goals, laying out a vision for increased cooperation between churches.”

However, the document should not be mistaken for a blueprint for structural change or an agreement on dogma, Beach adds.  “The practical implications of the agreement will become clearer during the course of future dialogues between these groups,” he says. Beach notes the document clearly rejects any “magisterial or dogmatic” character, instead emphasizing the voluntary and cooperative nature of the Charter.

Among the “ecumenical responsibilities” listed in the document is an agreement to discuss “plans for evangelization with other churches, entering into agreements with them and thus avoiding harmful competition and the risk of fresh division.”

The Charter also invites churches to “move towards the goal of Eucharistic fellowship” and to “promote ecumenical openness and cooperation in Christian education, and in theological training, continuing education and research.”

Beach points out that among the positive aspects of the document is an affirmation of the right of every person to “freely choose his or her religious and church affiliation as a matter of conscience.”  The Charter also calls on churches to “defend the rights of minorities and to help reduce misunderstandings and prejudices between majority and minority churches.”

The Adventist Church is not a member of the European Conference of Churches, and is thus not a party to the Charter, says Beach.