From October 31st to November 2nd, 2024, over 200 representatives of Together for Europe (TfE) gathered in Graz-Seckau, Austria, for the annual conference titled “Called to Hope.” These participants represented 52 Christian Movements, Communities, and Organizations from 19 countries across Europe, uniting with a shared mission to bring hope during challenging times.

Held at Seggau Castle near Graz, the event brought together a network of over 300 Christian Movements from Eastern and Western Europe dedicated to fostering hope, even in moments of war and crisis. Gerhard Pross, moderator of TfE, highlighted the network’s unique call to hope and unity, inspiring participants to act as ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. One participant captured the atmosphere by saying, “Given the current situation in Europe, I arrived feeling discouraged, but these days have renewed my courage and hope.” A participant from Ukraine shared, “To be ambassadors of reconciliation… even in a place where reconciliation seems distant, I feel this mission is possible, as an ‘artisan of a new culture.’”

Diverse Representation from Across Europe

Participants included Christian leaders and laypeople from various backgrounds, including Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, and Reformed traditions, alongside representatives from the Free Churches. Notable guests included Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl (Austria), Bishop József Pál (Romania), Jesús Morán (Co-President of the Focolare Movement), Reinhardt Schink (German Evangelical Alliance), former Prime Ministers Alojz Peterle (Slovenia) and Eduard Heger (Slovakia), as well as representatives from the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy.

Inspiring Program of Reflection and Dialogue

The conference featured a combination of talks, testimonies, and collaborative workshops. On 31st October, Together for Europe celebrated its 25th anniversary. In his opening remarks, Gerhard Pross shared the many moments of grace experienced since the network’s founding. Key speeches included:

• Thomas Römer (YMCA Munich): Römer emphasized, “Christians hold the key to reconciliation. Our goal should be love, not power.”
• Jesús Morán (Focolare Movement): Morán spoke on the transformative power of unity, explaining that “unity doesn’t negate individuality; it enriches it. It’s a gift that transforms people at their core.” He stressed Europe’s need for a renewed culture of collaboration, pointing to future events like “Easter Together 2025” and “Agenda 2033.”
• P. Raffael Rieger (Schönstatt Movement): Rieger advocated for collaboration among diverse communities to foster unity and hope in society, citing the seven “YES’s” to family, creation, peace, solidarity, a fair economy, and social commitment.

The gathering concluded with the renewal of the Pact of Mutual Love, a solemn commitment to “love one another as Jesus has loved us,” expressed in four languages. Participants reaffirmed their shared mission, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Final Day Highlights

On the final day, the conference opened its doors to local residents. Siegfried Nagl, former Mayor of Graz, was among the participants, showing his support for the network’s vision of unity.

A panel discussion featuring Bishop Krautwaschl, Alojz Peterle, Eduard Heger, and Vienna University’s Professor Ingeborg Gerda Gabriel explored how Christians can move from division toward togetherness. Professor Gabriel underscored the power of words to unite or divide, emphasizing the need to “disarm words” and to listen, especially in an age of misinformation.

Looking ahead, Together for Europe is planning a major event for 2027 aimed at sending a powerful message of unity and hope across Europe.