The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has once again underscored its commitment to fostering dialogue and peace by supporting the International Workshop on Healing of Wounded Memories. Held from 27 to 30 March 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania, the event was organized by PRO ORIENTE in cooperation with Renovabis and brought together church leaders, theologians, and communication experts to discuss the pressing challenges of our time.
Exploring the Digital Age’s Impact on Historical Narratives
Under the theme “Ecumenical Challenges in the Digital Age – Context, Experiences, Practice,” participants examined how churches and communities engage with history in settings marked by conflict, polarization, and the misuse of religious narratives. Key discussions focused on combating hate speech and disinformation in an increasingly digitalized world, emphasizing the need for both innovative digital strategies and renewed commitment to authentic dialogue.
Voices of Experience and Reflection
Dr Viola Raheb, Programme Director of PRO ORIENTE, welcomed the active involvement of delegates from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. She highlighted the strong partnership between PRO ORIENTE and CEC as a crucial factor in advancing dialogue and peacebuilding efforts across Europe.
A pivotal contribution came from Dr Pavlo Smytsnyuk of Ukraine, a member of CEC’s Pathways to Peace Steering Group and Petrach Fellow at the George Washington University. Reflecting on the spiritual and societal significance of wounds, Dr Smytsnyuk stressed the importance of understanding historical grievances before initiating healing processes. He noted that unhealed wounds could shape collective identity in ways that perpetuate division and justify harm, urging communities to explore the reasons behind their attachment to these wounds before embarking on a path to reconciliation.
Addressing the Challenges of Conflict and Digital Manipulation
Sessions at the workshop delved into issues such as the weaponisation of religion during conflicts, the media’s role in shaping and sometimes distorting religious narratives, and the formidable challenge of addressing hate speech in digital spaces. Belarusian theologian and activist Ms Natallia Vasilevich, also a member of the Pathways to Peace Steering Group and a PhD candidate at the University of Bonn, provided practical examples of how faith-based actors can leverage digital platforms to counteract polarization and promote inclusive public discourse. She stressed the need to confront controversial issues head-on, such as the tension between human rights and state security, and the delicate balance between military defense and conscientious objection.
A Continued Commitment to Peace and Reconciliation
Through initiatives like Pathways to Peace, the CEC reaffirms its dedication to building bridges between communities torn apart by historical wounds and contemporary conflicts. By supporting collaborative efforts such as this workshop, the CEC, alongside its ecumenical partners and European institutions, continues to work toward healing, reconciliation, and shared responsibility in an increasingly fractured world.
Tags: CEC, International Workshop, PRO ORIENTE, Renovabis, Vilnius, Church Leaders, Theologians, Digital Age, Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, Dialogue, Hate Speech, Disinformation, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Ecumenical DialogueCEC Backs International Workshop on Healing of Wounded Memories in Vilnius
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) has once again underscored its commitment to fostering dialogue and peace by supporting the International Workshop on Healing of Wounded Memories. Held from 27 to 30 March 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania, the event was organized by PRO ORIENTE in cooperation with Renovabis and brought together church leaders, theologians, and communication experts to discuss the pressing challenges of our time.
Exploring the Digital Age’s Impact on Historical Narratives
Under the theme “Ecumenical Challenges in the Digital Age – Context, Experiences, Practice,” participants examined how churches and communities engage with history in settings marked by conflict, polarization, and the misuse of religious narratives. Key discussions focused on combating hate speech and disinformation in an increasingly digitalized world, emphasizing the need for both innovative digital strategies and renewed commitment to authentic dialogue.
Voices of Experience and Reflection
Dr Viola Raheb, Programme Director of PRO ORIENTE, welcomed the active involvement of delegates from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. She highlighted the strong partnership between PRO ORIENTE and CEC as a crucial factor in advancing dialogue and peacebuilding efforts across Europe.
A pivotal contribution came from Dr Pavlo Smytsnyuk of Ukraine, a member of CEC’s Pathways to Peace Steering Group and Petrach Fellow at the George Washington University. Reflecting on the spiritual and societal significance of wounds, Dr Smytsnyuk stressed the importance of understanding historical grievances before initiating healing processes. He noted that unhealed wounds could shape collective identity in ways that perpetuate division and justify harm, urging communities to explore the reasons behind their attachment to these wounds before embarking on a path to reconciliation.
Addressing the Challenges of Conflict and Digital Manipulation
Sessions at the workshop delved into issues such as the weaponisation of religion during conflicts, the media’s role in shaping and sometimes distorting religious narratives, and the formidable challenge of addressing hate speech in digital spaces. Belarusian theologian and activist Ms Natallia Vasilevich, also a member of the Pathways to Peace Steering Group and a PhD candidate at the University of Bonn, provided practical examples of how faith-based actors can leverage digital platforms to counteract polarization and promote inclusive public discourse. She stressed the need to confront controversial issues head-on, such as the tension between human rights and state security, and the delicate balance between military defense and conscientious objection.
A Continued Commitment to Peace and Reconciliation
Through initiatives like Pathways to Peace, the CEC reaffirms its dedication to building bridges between communities torn apart by historical wounds and contemporary conflicts. By supporting collaborative efforts such as this workshop, the CEC, alongside its ecumenical partners and European institutions, continues to work toward healing, reconciliation, and shared responsibility in an increasingly fractured world.
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