April 21, 2008
To All the Participants of the 10th Consultation
of the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy
Dear Fellow Chaplains,
In one month we will all be together in Tartu , Estonia , for the 10 th Consultation of the European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy. It will be a time of hard work and reflection, a time of reunion and fellowship.
The theme for the upcoming meeting is “ From quality to sanctity of human life” . We will concentrate on “end of life” issues. In assessing a view of our European “situation”, we will view these issues from different theological perspectives and clinical experiences. We will also try to understand our own identity as spiritual care providers in light of these perspectives and experiences.
This consultation will be especially honored by Dr. Richard Fischer, Executive Secretary of the Strasbourg Office the Commission of Church and Society of Conference of European Churches (CSC-CEC). He will be speaking on the developments concerning “end of life” issues within Europe . His presence is significant important because it marks a new step in cooperation of our Network with the CSC-CEC. Along with Dr. Fischer, will be also be honored in having the President of the Association of American Professional Chaplains (APC), Chaplain Mary S. Whetstone, and the Executive Director of the APC, Josephine N. Schrader. Their participation, together with that of our good friend George Burn, who is on the Advocacy Committee for International Affairs of the APC, represents the continuation of a deep working relationship with our Western Horizons.
On an administrative tone, during our time together, we will discuss a change in our constitution. You have received the proposed changes in the initial packet from Estonia . I ask that you review this so you can be aware of the document we will examine.
Beyond this, this Consultation will be a decisive one for another reason. We will have to look at and discuss the future steps of the ENHCC. It appears that we are entering a new stage of growth. This new stage demands that we find concrete ways in networking our chaplaincies in a firmer way. I ask that you give this great thought so that our discussion will be productive.
In closing, allow me to express my personal joy in opportunity to reunite with all of you that have taken part in past consultations and my expectation in meeting all of you who will be joining us for the first time. There is no doubt that our host, Naathan Haamer will receive us with great hospitality.
Sincerely,
+SKK
Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
Coordinator of the European Network of Healthcare Chaplaincy
(Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate)
Email: coordinator@eurochaplains.org or kofinas@otenet.gr
Address:
Lycias 3
171 24 Nea Smyrni,
Greece
Phone: +30-6944 57 3625
Fax: +30 – 210 93 74 217
Website : www.eurochaplains.org