The Swiss churches have signed an ecumenical charter on closer cooperation in Europe – the first such document since the 11th century.The text of the Charta Oecumenica, which was drawn up in 2001, speaks of the need for Christian unity in EuropeRepresentatives of ten Christian denominations in Switzerland signed the document at an inter-confessional gathering in the church of St Ursanne in northwest Switzerland.“The charter is the result of a growing cooperation between the churches in Europe,” said Monsignor Amédée Grab, the president of the Swiss Bishops’ Conference, in a sermon.“We are bringing together our traditions, our strengths, our hopes.”The document dates back to a European ecumenical gathering in Strasbourg, France, and aims at a common approach to spreading the Christian faith. It was drawn up by representatives of the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox traditions.
