ECC Prayer Gathering in Rome

Rome was the chosen venue for the Prayer Summit that marked the thirtieth anniversary of the European Charismatic Consultation (Oct 9th to 13th 2002), which brings together Charismatic Renewal leaders from different Christian churches and communities to inspire, encourage, motivate and facilitate the promotion of church renewal, Christian unity and evangelization throughout Europe. 

Guided by the words of Isaiah 2:3 "Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord / He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths", the ECC Council and invited guests gathered together from East and West Europe. They united in prayer, seeking to understand more fully how to respond to the needs of the new millennium, and acknowledging their need for new approaches and a fresh empowerment from God. The aims and focus of their prayers for Europe included thanksgiving, repentance, and reconciliation on various levels, and concentrated on the particular needs of the different European countries.

The theme of reconciliation was developed by sharing the main problems besetting the social, moral, and religious life of the countries of Europe. Catholic theologian Fr. Peter Hocken reviewed the various approaches to repentance and reconciliation for the sins of the past, highlighting points of convergence and difference, and comparing the Catholic documents "Memories and Reconciliation: The Church and the Faults of the Past" and Pope John Paul II's "Day of Pardon" of March 2000, with the writings of Protestants such as John Dawson and Russ Parker. A Messianic Jewish theologian, Dr. Dan Juster, brought in the history of the Messianic Jewish movement, and shared about "Towards Jerusalem Council II", an initiative of repentance and reconciliation between the Jewish and Gentile segments of the Christian church. As part of the meeting's programme, the ECC delegates also visited the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

At the Rome meeting, Pentecostal Pastor Peter Dippl, Berlin; who has served as co-chairman of the ECC for twelve years, retired, and was succeeded by Pentecostal Pastor Olaf Franke, Berlin , who will now join the longstanding Catholic Co-chairman Kim Catherine-Marie Kollins, a member of the Community of the Beatitudes.

Co-Chairmen Kim Catherine-Marie Kollins, Pastor Olaf Franke