First International Conference of Leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal

The First Conference of the leadership of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal was held in the Vatican from 6–9 June 2019, marking the inauguration of CHARIS (Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service). On 8 June, the participants attended a private audience with Pope Francis.

This new service of communion among all Catholic charismatics is the outcome of a four–year process. Marking the occasion, the Moderator of CHARIS, Mr Jean–Luc Moens, called to mind the Statutes affirming: “Recognising Catholic Charismatic Renewal as part of an ecumenical current of grace, CHARIS is an instrument to promote and work for unity in the body of Christ, as expressed in the prayer of Jesus Christ (Jn:17)” (Art. 2). Mr Moens invited the President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity to send a message to the Conference participants, about 4000 people from around the world, including Christians of diverse Churches and Ecclesial Communities.

The message of Cardinal Kurt Koch reflects also on one of the general objectives of CHARIS, namely “To promote the ecumenical dimension of Catholic Charismatic Renewal and foster the commitment to serving the unity of all Christians” (Art. 3f).