Gemeinschaftstreffen/Community Meeting
Christian Base Communities
Christian Base Communities strive to form inclusive communities of brothers and sisters at personal group level within the church. Our life as base communities includes both the common "translation" of the Bible into everyday life as well as the caring participation in the joys and sorrows of others.
Community as a Living Testimony
The Norwegian bishop, Erik Varden, insists in a detailed interview with OSV News during his visit to St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore on 7 May 2026 on the necessity of rebuilding authentic Christian communities. He recalled with satisfaction a day recently celebrated in the Cathedral of Trondheim, during which believers from various backgrounds shared lectures, prayer, silence, conversations, and a fraternal meal.
The Norwegian bishop Erik Varden
Living practice
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- We seek our roots together in the Word of God
- We gather regularly to pray and share our experiences
- We celebrate liturgy with the local church
- We use our gifts for the community, church, and society
- We support marginalized persons and those seeking protection
- We strongly support the local church as role model and driving force for innovative pastoral work
- We care for one another as sisters and brothers in a lasting way
- We inspire each other in various tasks and encourage theological education
- We are aware of our vulnerability and limitations
The Beginning of Christian Base communities
Christian base communities strive for a liberating ecclesial practice.
The term "base community" (comunidad de base) was officially used at the 2nd General Assembly of Latin American Bishops in Medellin in 1968: The comunidade de base "forms... the place where people can start anew, specifically by learning to rediscover their dignity." (J. Comblin).
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Options, Practices, and Challenges of Christian Base Communities in Europe
What are basecommunities?