The Conference of European Churches (CEC) congratulated on the election of Metropolitan Kirill and expressed his "hope" for a return "of the Russian Orthodox Church as a full participant in the CEC." In a letter sent to the new Patriarch, Colin William, Secretary General of the European body representing Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox Churches, expressed the European Churches's "gratitude" for Metropolitan Kirill's commitment "to the ecumenical path" and added: "we are looking forward to pursuing the exploration of this path with you." The CEC recalls in a statement that the Russian Orthodox Church is one of its members. Nevertheless, in October 2008, it had decided to put an end to its active involvement in the CEC, due to a problem concerning the admission application to the CEC of the Estonian Orthodox Church which is linked to the Moscow's Patriarchate. Actually, the issue was linked to existing problems between the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. In his letter, CEC Secretary General addressed the new Patriarch expressing the commitment "of working with you to ensure the Russian Orthodox Church's full participation in the life of the CEC," especially in preparation of the 13th CEC Assembly, that will take place in Lyons in July.
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