We are pleased to invite you to the 59th study and networking day of the Catholic National Commission for Ecumenism, which will take place on Saturday, 7 November 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Interdiocesan Centre (Guimardstraat 1, 1040 Brussels), focusing on the following topic:
One in Christ, sent together
In collaboration with Missio Belgium, we have chosen the theme of the 100th World Mission Day for this year. As Pope Leo stated in his invitation, if we truly wish to become a missionary Church, we must strengthen our ecumenical commitment alongside other Christian Churches.
The speakers will explain how their respective traditions understand Christ’s missionary mandate and to whom they feel particularly called to minister within our secularized Western society. During an ecumenical study day, we also aim to reflect on whether we can undertake this mission—or certain aspects of it—jointly with other Christian Churches. Some speakers will also address the diversity of our Christian communities and the presence of priests and pastoral workers from abroad who are serving here on mission.
This year, the main address will be delivered by Professor Dr Annemarie Mayer, Professor of Dogmatic at the Faculty of Theology in Trier and a member of the Joint Working Group between the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church.
In the afternoon, there will be contributions from other Christian churches.
- Orthodox Church (Dutch): Archimandrite Dr Joan Lena, priest in the parish of Saint Nicolas, Amsterdam, lecturer at the St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute (Radboud University Nijmegen) and visiting lecturer at KU Leuven.
- United Protestant Church in Belgium (Dutch): Dr Eleonora Hof, Dutch theologian and missiologist; pastor and ethics contact person at Sint-Antonius Grembergen.
- Anglican Church (French): Father Guy Diakiese, Chaplain, English Church Liège.
- Federal Synod of the Protestant and Evangelical Churches (French): Mr Ignace Demaerel, former teacher of religion and pastor of the house church ‘Ammi Brussel’.
On the study day the texts of the addresses will be available in Dutch and French and English. To register, please use the form hereunder.
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From Brussels Central Station it is a 15-minute walk to the Interdiocesan Centre, a 5-minute walk from the Arts-Loi/Kunst-Wet metro station. The Guimard car parking is also available for your use.