Congresses

President's report

Dear colleagues, dear delegates of our member associations,

some of you I'm meeting for the first time this year; with others, it's been a chance to see each other again after a shorter or longer period. And with some of you, colleagues on the board, I have regular contact; we see each other at least twice a year. Ever since the Pandemic, we have held our spring meeting online, which saves time and money. The fall meeting, however, always takes place during the convention or member's meeting of the German Union of Pastoral Associations, to which we are always amiably invited.

At this moment, I would like to thank you, dear colleagues on the board, for your trusting and reliable teamwork. Best of all is when we can meet in person, for instance, when we reconnoitred Michelsberg to prepare for this year's conference.

Between conferences, I receive many invitations to attend courses and conferences organised by our member associations, which I gladly accept whenever possible.

And so I am regularly a guest in Prague, for instance, as well as at the pastoral conferences of the associations in the Rhineland and Baden, and at the assembly of the German union that I have already mentioned.

Between conferences, I often stay in contact via email, telephone, or Facebook.
I regret that not too many have taken me up yet on my invitation to visit me at my home on the beautiful Lake Thun, which I hereby repeat. It's a serious invitation.

Whenever we meet, I am all ears. I am interested in knowing how you are doing as pastors throughout Europe. It interests me to know the topics that concern you, what makes you rejoice, as well as what troubles you.

In this way, I hear about the diverse ecclesiastical and pastoral realities but also of the common developments, such as the advanced de-churching in many countries (at any rate, those in Western Europe). I am aware of the acute shortage of pastors, as well as – and this is related – to the development of new church offices and ministries. These developments challenge us to sharpen anew the pastoral office and to develop and nurture cooperation. Who does what? Where does theological responsibility lie? In these days, we have spoken extensively of the many things we love but must let go of.

I am convinced that we can't carry out our calling alone but in constant collegial give-and-take in a brotherly and sisterly manner. As the co-president of our Swiss pastoral association says, «Chacun dans son coin (each in his or her own corner) is no good».

My first thought as I write this president's report: All this hearing and perception, is that all? Isn't there much more we can do? Develop concepts, share best practices, do something!?
Following our conference on the Liebfrauenberg in Alsace three years ago, some participants seized the initiative and organized an online meeting focused on fostering young talent.
That was very interesting and informative. Perhaps we should do things like this more often. And perhaps some of you have further ideas and impulses for activities between the conferences.

Regrettably, we must bid farewell today to two of our board members. Andreas Kahnt, after 10 years on the board, is retiring. As chairman, he was a dependable connection to the German association and a wise and trustworthy partner in dialogue; he was often able to draw on his experience to help us. And he is a dear friend. Dear Andreas, we will miss you greatly!
We also have to take leave today of Jan Buncak of Slovakia. Jan assumed duties in the bishop's office in Bratislava a while ago and, since then, has had ever less time for his board responsibilities. For that reason, he also can not be here to attend this conference. This spring, he announced his resignation.

And we already look ahead. I'm happy about the invitation to hold the next conference in 2028 in Finland.

Last week, we celebrated Pentecost. Pentecost started small during a meeting of friends. But what grew out of it is impressive. People who actually couldn't speak to each other because they came from the most diverse corners of the known world could understand each other – more precisely, they heard in their native tongue the testimony of the great works of God.

When we speak in a halting way at our conferences, when we at times struggle to find the words. When we try to make ourselves understood with our hands and feet and everything at our disposal, then, for me, the reminder of a Spirit-empowered hearing is comforting and encouraging.

Heartfelt thanks for the open ears that we give to each other!

Michelsberg, 17. June 2025

Verena Salvisberg, Präsidentin