Dear Colleagues, Sisters and Brothers
on behalf of the board of the Conference of European Pastors’ Unions KEP, I would like to send our warm greetings to you.
This is a very important year for the KEP as, per every three years, our Congress takes place.
All European Pastors’ Unions are cordially invited to Admont in Austria, from June 15th to 19th. I hope in the meantime all Unions and Representatives have received the invitation. Where there is (still) no Union in Europe, we would be delighted if the pastors of that church will send a colleague to represent them at the Congress. To date, we have received a few notifications of this.
All those who attended a KEP Congress agree meeting and exchanging experiences is always an important element of the Congress. This is, however, is not the only important aspect. The board of the KEP has drafted a new constitution, which will be agreed upon in Admont. We believe this constitution provides a good framework for fulfilling the tasks of the KEP. It is envisaged that the Unions can, among other aspects, become members of the KEP. In that way, we expect to build closer relationships between the KEP and Pastors’ Unions. We hope as many unions as possible are represented in Admont to ensure support for the new constitution.
At the end of the Congress, I will resign as President of KEP. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role. It has been a privilege to work for the KEP in my role as President and I would like to sincerely thank you for the trust you have placed in me. However, having served for the last 5 years as Emeritus, I consider it appropriate to relinquish the Presidency. The board recommends Verena Salvisberg from Switzerland as my successor. We are convinced she would be an excellent and competent future president.
The Austrian Pastors’ Union, our host at this year’s Congress, has kindly provided a survey of its work in one of the supplements. We would like to thank our Austrian colleagues for their contribution and, in advance, for helping shape the Admont Congress.
Finally, as with every year, I would like to ask you to transfer the membership fees for 2019.
On behalf of the board of the KEP, I wish the Pastoral Unions and all my colleagues blessings, both privately and at work: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4,7).
Rinze Marten Witteveen, President