Death of Dr. Andréas Schneider

“It is with sadness that we have received the news of the death of one of our former colleagues here in CEC, Dr Andréas Schneider”, stated Rev. Dr. Viorel Ionita, Interim General Secretary of the Conference of European Churches (CEC).  Dr. Andréas Schneider died at the age of 97.  His funeral was held on 8 February 2011. Dr. Schneider was part of the initial team from the World Council of Churches (WCC) that worked on the beginning of CEC as an organisation, becoming Finance Officer of CEC.  Dr. Schneider was particularly interested in the area of unity among the churches in Europe. He served for a number of years on the Central Committee of CEC. Dr. Ionita said that, “Dr. Schneider’s work was invaluable for stabilizing CEC in its early years and we remain indebted to him for his service and continue to carry him in our memory.” The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a fellowship of some 120 Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, and Old Catholic Churches from all countries of Europe, and of 40 associated organisations. CEC was founded in 1959. It has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.