European Educators' Christian Association – EURECA
EurECA was formed in the mid-90s to bring together Christian educators in state-run schools across Europe. The original intention was to organise an annual conference to foster international friendships, promote and share good, biblically informed educational practice and above all, to glorify God across European education. Today we are still trying to do the same things.
A group of ten volunteers from nine different nations lead the work with these aims, to organise an annual conference, promote networking between Christians in education and produce and distribute (where we have the capacity) helpful resources. Our next conference, ‘A HOPEFUL FUTURE – Teachers building for the next generation’ will be in Poland at the end of May 2022, details will be available on the website soon.
EurECA is a member of the European Evangelical Alliance and represents educational interests in that forum, as well as being a part of a regular gathering of Christian educators at the EU Parliament in Brussels.
We have around 500 members, mostly individuals but also including a number of national organisations. Our conferences vary in size from 100-200, dependent on the size of the venue. Generally, we attract teachers from over 20 nations across Europe together with a smattering of visitors from the US, NZ and Australia. Our recent gatherings have been in Spain, Bulgaria, Norway, Portugal, UK, Poland, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.
Although the UK has left the EU there is still great affinity between Christians across the continent, especially in educational circles. We operate in very similar environments, face similar struggles and share similar victories. The pandemic, far from hindering relationships, has enabled us to make more of the opportunities available through online platforms. Last year’s conference succeeded in connecting more teachers in more nations and made it easier to provide translation where English is not so widely spoken.
Our desire is for every child in Europe to be taught by a Christian teacher for at least a year of their lives. This immense task can only be accomplished in the Spirit’s love, power and wisdom, but we are making ourselves available to be a part of the answer.
At next year’s conference we will be delighted to welcome Lizzie Harewood as one of our main speakers, and we invite many of you to join us in this arena filled with wonderful teachers who love Jesus with all of their hearts.
This article was produced by EurECA for ACT .