It is quite amazing to study the near history of the ecumenical movement. It seems almost unbelievable that just 20 years ago (when I just had started my primary school) there wouldn't have been a slightest chance for such a meeting to take place in Sibiu. Eastern and western blocks in Europe had built up huge borders. Ecumenical meetings had an important role in building relations between the churches and nations in the late phase and post era of the Cold war (see an interesting study on this). Blocks started to diminish and borders changed. Now it seems that none hardly even bothers to ask for your passport at the airports - it's far more important how many millimeters of liquids you carry and in what kind of bags they are wrapped.
Well, it seems though that some borders still exist, even huge ones. EU and non-EU countries, Europe - 3rd world, men - women, conservative - liberals, different denominations, traditions and so on. Those and many others will surely be under discussion in Sibiu.
Now, hopefully, this blog can be one instrument to overcome blocks and borders. Let us turn blocks into blogs.
ps. The EEA3 youth delegates had their pre-Sibiu meeting in St.Maurice, Switzerland at the end of July. The statement from this meeting can be found here :)
pps. 10 days to go :)
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