Remaining in respectful dialogue despite theological differences, celebrating together, and mourning together – these are some of the great strengths of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe. Representing over 40 million believers across Europe is no small feat.
Yet there is consensus that the CPCE has so far lacked visibility and that the remarkable diversity of European Protestant churches has not been fully showcased. This was the conclusion of the CPCE-Public Relations Advisory Board, including Willi Wild, editor of the church newspaper Glaube und Heimat, Michèle Graf-Kaiser, media officer of the Swiss Reformed Church (EKS), and Klaus Rieth, pastor and former head of communications at Brot für die Welt.
The common message: “Polish your pearls.” The CPCE should act with more confidence and make the enormous diversity of nearly 100 member churches and more than 30 languages more visible. One concrete step toward this goal will be stronger networking among public relations staff: in the future, CPCE communications officers will meet twice a year via Zoom to exchange ideas, learn from each other, enhance mutual visibility, and act as multipliers for the Protestant voice of Europe.