From Wednesday 15th to Saturday 18th, the Second Secretary had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the Episcopal Church in Europe’s annual Convention and the Festival of Gathering 2025 .

The event took place at the Willem Kempf Haus in Wiesbaden, Germany and was attended by delegates from all of the churches and missions of the Episcopal Church in Europe. Members from partner organisations and churches were also present.

After a day of business sessions, the Festival of Gathering 2025 began, with the theme of becoming good stewards of God’s creation. A time of study, reflection, prayer, and connection, it was wonderful to hear from excellent speakers, including the Reverend Claes Hedström, Priest and Change Leader in Environment and Climate for the Church of Sweden, the Reverend Canon Dr. Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator, Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and the Reverend Lester Mackenzie, Chief of Mission Program in the Office of the Presiding Bishop and member of the Episciopal Church Delegation to COP 28. In the afternoons, participants could take part in workshops, including the one by the Second Secretary on ministry in multicultural teams.

A big thank you to the whole team of organisers and to Bishop Mark Eddington for the invitation. I was a wonderful opportunity to connect with people from across the Anglican Communion, and especially from the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe.