Hundreds of Christians and members of the European Ecumenical Peace Network “Church and Peace” met in the small town of Herrnhut in eastern Germany. The theme of the three-day conference was “Do not let your hearts be hardened in these difficult times”. The Bible verse was used as the basis for the biblical discussions and workshops: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh”, from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel 36:26.

Now, when disturbing news about wars, natural disasters and various other crisis situations reach us from different parts of the world, we Christians can easily give in to discouragement, apathy and even depression. This is how the Jewish people felt under the harsh and violent slavery in Babylon. They even become prone to violence and cruelly punish their compatriot and prophet Ezekiel. In trouble, pain and suffering, the human heart can harden and become insensitive, even violent - this is the message from this gathering. But to us, as to the Israelites in Babylon, comes the word of God that strengthens us and gives us hope. It calls us to be transformed and to allow Him to give us a heart of flesh and sensitivity. From this conference, the participants send a clear message that we need each other, that we encourage each other in peaceful actions and non-violent actions to oppose evil, war and the armament of the planet. Let us encourage each other and persevere in deeds of love for a better and brighter future.