A common European platform based on inclusivity and anti-racism was established at a conference of Muslim and Jewish organisations in Brussels, Beligium, last week. The ain is to combat animosity and encourage dialogue.

The growth of Islam in Europe is challenging deeply-held notions that faith is a private matter which should be banished from public life, a prominent sociologist of religion has told a gathering of European Christian leaders - writes Stephen Brown for Ecumenical News International (ENI).

Keen public interest in Anabaptism, the positive growth of initiatives from churches related to that tradition, decline in some areas, and challenges in relating Christian faith and public life were among the issues highlighted in reports from seven countries delivered by 20 Mennonite church leaders from across Europe who gathered recently for their annual meeting.

An ecumenical (inter-church) consultation of senior Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican leaders has issued a statement to Europe's major politicians ‚Ä' arguing that constructive dialogue among peoples, religions and civic institutions is the way forward for the continent and the EU, underpinned by political pluralism and neutrality.