Saturday, 30 May 2009

Preparatory meeting for young delegates

Yesterday preparatory meeting for young delegates started in Lyon. 13 young delegates from around Europe came to participate here, and at evening session we discussed hopes, fears and expectations concerning the Assembly, and people seems to be quite optimistic.
From my side, I am quite disappointed with the number of young delegates being nominated - only 32 out of nearly 450 delegates (9,4%). Of course, present delegates also raise the concern that youth voice will not be really heard at the Assembly, but still they are quite optimistic. What I would say - every time the same story with young delegates, but the situation is not hopeless. During the couple of days the young delegates will develop some ideas for youth statement, youth witness at the Assembly as well as practice some "procedure" issues - how to make participation not only meanfull, but effective.

We just started reflections on the Assembly theme - "Hope" - and I hope :-) that the delegates which are not present here can share some ideas and reflections on the topic.

1 comment:

  1. Having an impact and inspiring people is not about QUANTITY, but rather about QUALITY. From the excellent discussions we are having here, and with the creative energies of a group of very committed young delegates from our various member churches, we are confident and hopeful that we will be able to get over any apparent lack of strength in numbers and instead build strength of contribution in other ways.

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