European churches talk about dialogue with other religions

The Church of Sweden is hosting an event at which more than 50 representatives of Anglican and Lutheran churches within the Porvoo Communion will gather together for discussions in Sigtuna this week.

During the meeting in Sigtuna, on the theme Growing Together, the churches in the Porvoo Communion will discuss various issues, including dialogue with other religions as a challenge in the social environments of their churches. The churches in the Porvoo Communion have previously held a consultation about dialogue with other religions and will hold another such event in 2011, to which representatives from other religions will be invited. This meeting is the Porvoo Communion’s consultation of church leaders, attended by bishops and elected representatives and convened once every four years. Each delegation, with two to three representatives, a bishop and/or person in a managerial position and an elected representative, are chosen from each church and vary from one meeting to the next. The representative of each church also participates in the Porvoo Contact Group. More than 50 delegates from Anglican churches in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Spain and Portugal, and from Lutheran churches in Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Iceland and Sweden are expected in Sigtuna. Representatives of the Lutheran churches in Denmark and Latvia will attend as observers. The Church of Sweden will be represented by Archbishop Anders Wejryd, Secretary General Lars Friedner and Britt Louise Agrell from the Central Board. The meeting will take place at Sigtunastiftelsen on 18–21 March. The theme is Growing Together, and the meeting will conclude with a mass celebrated in Uppsala Cathedral and lunch with Archbishop Anders Wejryd. The programme and list of participants are enclosed. Press contact and any requests for interviews: + 46 18 16 96 06 Kristiina Ruuti http://www.porvoochurches.org/