The Ecumenical Council of Churches in the Czech Republic (ERC) has formally endorsed the Velehrad Appeal, a five-pillar call for reconciliation, dialogue, and mutual respect in Czech public life. The appeal, titled "Let Us Begin with Ourselves" and subtitled "Reconciliation and Understanding," was proclaimed at Velehrad — a site foundational to Czech spiritual identity — and asserts that the country "needs more people who will seek what unites" rather than further division. ERC Chairman Pavel Pokorný stated that the Council "joins this voice calling for respect toward others, listening, genuine dialogue, and the pursuit of understanding."
The Velehrad Appeal is built around five commitments: showing respect to every person, even those who think differently; seeking what unites rather than what divides; listening before answering; being the first to offer reconciliation; and bringing hope through prayer and work for peace. It includes three concrete steps — a personal commitment to reject hatred and seek the common good, performing one act of reconciliation or help each day, and an annual renewal of the pledge at Velehrad. The ERC rooted its endorsement in the apostolic tradition, citing the Letter of James: "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits."
The ERC, which brings together multiple Protestant and free church denominations including the Church of the Brethren (Církev bratrská), framed the appeal as a timely response to polarisation and distrust in society. "Diversity of opinion is natural," the Council noted. "It is even necessary and useful not to fear expressing one's views and discussing them with others. However, one must not succumb to hateful speech, must avoid being provoked, and must preserve personal dignity." The endorsement signals the continued commitment of Czech free churches to constructive public engagement grounded in Christian conviction rather than partisan rancour.
(Originally published in Czech. Summary translated by CC / Connexion.)
Source: Ekumenická rada církví (via Církev bratrská / Brána) — ekumenickarada.cz
