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Oikosnet Europe - Ecumenical Association of Academies and Laity Centres in Europe (EAALCE) is an all-European network of about 70 Christian conference and retreat centres from all confessional traditions. Each year more than 260 000 people from all walks of life participate in more than 2 000 conferences and other gatherings in 18 European countries around a wide spectrum of topics like ecology, women´s issues, development, spirituality, peace, social issues, youth, theology etc. The Oikosnet Europe member centres mobilize and empower laity and they collaborate in dealing with actual social problems by dialogue. The Association celebrated its 51st Annual Conference in Sweden in Sigtuna Stiftelsen, where under the leadership of Olov Hartmann and Eberhard Müller the idea to establish an European association of Christian academies and laity centres was born. The theme of the gathering in 2006 was ”The public role of religion – new configurations in European cultures.” This theme continued at the 52nd Annual Conference in Bad Boll Academy, Germany in 2007, where we looked particularly at the public role of religions as contribution to European democratic culture. EAALCE is going through a deep restructuring process that aims at redefinding its mission and vision. The previous conferences adopted a new constitution, opted for a leaner governance model with a five persons board, a multi-year work plan, and took a number of decisions that will help to overcome the constraints caused by a structural deficit in the past couple of years. The transition period leads us to the Annual Conference in 2008 when the new governance will be implemented. The Annual Conference 2008 is held in Budapest, Hungary from Tuesday, September 2, 2008 (arrival) until Sunday, September 7, 2008 (departure). Plenary is held at Raday College in Budapest, Sept. 4 to 7. Focus will be on collaboration, common activities and European projects. Visiting Communities (Sept. 2 to 4) will be in Berekfürdo (Women‘s Network), Tahi (Nature, art, ecumenical relations), Oradea (Romania) and Kecskemet (Education, formation). Oikosnet Europe is part of the global network OIKOSNET with more than 300 member centres in all continents: Oikosnet Africa – ACLCA Oikosnet Asia – ACISCA Oikosnet America Latina – CONOSUR Oikosnet Europe – EAALCE Oikosnet Middle East – MEATRC Oikosnet North America - NARDA Dialogue for peaceful change (DPC) is the first global Oikosnet project. DPC is part of a global coalition dedicated to creating safe spaces to overcome division, through a structured process of mutual empowerment. The program is based on work in Corrymeela, Northern Ireland, and is applicable to conflicts in communities, organizations, families and between individuals. Next global Course for Leadership in Lay Training(CLLT) is held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, October 5 to 24, 2008 and the theme will be „Other worlds are possible“. There will be Dialogue for Peaceful Change training, Scenario building training, Theological workshop and Visiting Community groups in Thailand. Oikosnet-Europe runs a small office in Brussels where general secretary Wolfgang Lenz works part-time (60 %) with the assistant Muriel Restu (50 %). Some plans for the coming year 2008-2009: – implement the idea that Oikosnet Europe is an ”ecumenical cooperative”, a circle of ”associates” that shares common goals and values and collaborate further these goals – to foster a new culture of cooperation by having a marketplace for cooperation as a program element in our meetings – share best practises as an excamples for other members, staff exchange, common training modules etc. – to make and develop our virtual communication space as a working tool for members – to make our work more visible, to provide a directory of expertise – funding: new membership fee strategy, new funding sources – to have correspondents in all countries (ambassadors) – pro-active membership policy (looking for new members) – keeping touch with alumni For more information: http://www.oikosnet-europe.eu/
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