ROME, APRIL 22, 2004 (Zenit.org).- What are the elements that unite the Christian movements, communities and associations that will meet for the first time next month in Germany?
There are three common elements, said Thomas Römer, representative of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), at a press conference today.
First, “love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said, at the meeting attended by, among others, Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, and Gabriella Fallacara of the Focolare Movement.
“We have experienced the force of the Gospel that changes one’s life,” Römer said. “Jesus Christ, who died and rose, is at the center of the Gospel, and his presence among us is the most important reason of our communion.”
Second, “this experience of the Gospel in the last years has given rise to many common experiences,” Römer continued. “The communities that have arisen seek common things: starting from the faith, they commit themselves to others.”
Third, these new movements are aware that “love of God unites all people,” he said. “God loves all people and we want to express God’s love to all people. Love creates a multiplicity of works: some commit themselves to youth, others to the poor or the imprisoned, or to the reconciliation of couples or families.”
“In fact, commitment to the family is something that unites many movements,” Römer replied.
The May 8 meeting, whose motto is “Together for Europe,” will gather representatives of 150 Catholic, Evangelical-Lutheran, Orthodox and Anglican movements. The meeting will be in Stuttgart, Germany.
“Together we want to give glory to God and serve humanity in the name of Jesus,” Römer said. “This is Stuttgart’s objective.”
