Helsinki, 25 September 2025 – The European National Interreligious Bodies (ENIB) in Religions for Peace Europe convened its hybrid Board Meeting in Helsinki, coinciding with The Global Convergence Challenge – Summit for Interfaith Unity and Peace Network Seminar for International and Interreligious Actors. The gathering brought together leaders and representatives from RfP national chapters in Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the UK to discuss progress, share best practices, and reflect on challenges facing interfaith work across Europe.

RfP Finland (CORE Forum, Uskot-Foorumi), as host, collaborated closely with Religions for Peace Europe to organize the Summit on the same day, creating a unique space for both strategic dialogue and broader interfaith networking. Father Heikki Huttunen, Vice President of ENIB, and Laura Huovinen, Vice-Chair of CORE Forum, played key roles in coordinating the event and facilitating discussions. The meeting highlighted how regional contexts-from Southern Europe to the Nordic countries-shape interreligious cooperation, while also emphasizing the shared goals and common values that unite these diverse national chapters.

A notable highlight was the participation of Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, and Mrs. Deepika Singh, Deputy Secretary General, invited by President of Religions for Peace Europe, Prof. Genti Kruja.

Dr. Francis Kuria emphasized the spiritual and ethical foundations of interreligious collaboration, stating: “Shared Sacred Flourishing is more than a framework – it is a call to recognize the sacred dimension of human dignity and the interconnectedness of all life.” Their presence brought a global perspective and inspiration to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of collective action across borders.

President of RfP Europe Prof. Genti Kruja also addressed the Board, outlining RfP Europe’s ongoing efforts to establish National Bodies and Interreligious Councils in countries where such structures do not yet exist. He stressed that strengthening grassroots interfaith cooperation is essential to building sustainable peace and social cohesion throughout Europe.

The Board explored new collaborative initiatives with institutions such as the Council of Europe, the European Union, the European Commission, and the OSCE, aiming to expand the impact of interfaith engagement at both national and continental levels.

This meeting reaffirmed ENIB’s commitment to advancing interreligious dialogue in action, fostering stronger cooperation, and creating a more interconnected network of faith communities across Europe.