ENHCC
European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy
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The 8th Consultation of the
European Network of Health Care Chaplaincy
The Consultation took place in All Hallows College,
Dublin, Ireland
1-5 September 2004
Greeting to
Her Excellency, The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese
At the Formal Opening of the 8th Consultation of the ENHCC
Given by the Coordinator of the ENHCC
Dublin, Ireland
September 1, 2004
On behalf of all the participants of our Network, as its Coordinator and
Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, I thank you for giving us the
great honor of coming and opening the deliberations of our Eighth
Consultation. What may seem to you as a small group here, are actually
representatives of thousands of healthcare chaplains who care for hundreds
of thousands if not millions of people in healthcare institutions all over
Europe. Your presence here today demonstrates your conviction in proclaiming
and defending the infinite value and dignity of every person and your
recognition of the existential and spiritual dimension of suffering, illness
and death. We thank you for supporting every effort in providing spiritual
care within our health care systems, making them therapeutic centers based
on love, understanding and faith. I am sure that you will agree with me that
our world does not need another impersonal and self-centered organization or
institution. It is in need of genuine and articulated love, a love expressed
in mutual sharing and common understanding. We assure you that our Network
strives to meet this need and to uphold the values you exemplify. Our
prayers are that you will be blessed in all of your efforts to improve the
healthcare system in your beautiful and hospitable country and that you will
be a guiding light for all of us in Europe who share your concerns.
Rev. Dr. Stavros Kofinas
Coordinator of the European Network of Healthcare Chaplaincy
(Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate)