Evangelical leaders from across Europe gathered in Albania for the “Hope for Europe 2026” conference. Hosted by Albanian church leaders, this five-day meeting aims to strengthen fellowship, deepen faith, and foster greater collaboration across the European evangelical church.
Around 250 evangelical leaders, network representatives, and friends from across Europe and beyond attended the event, organized by the European Evangelical Alliance (EEA). The 2026 gathering runs through Friday, Oct. 9, under the theme “Hope in Uncertain Times.” It marks the movement’s fifth major gathering since 2002, with the previous one held in Sarajevo in 2022.
For the host country’s evangelicals, the setting carried symbolic weight. Hosts described Albania’s shift from enforced state atheism to a growing evangelical church as evidence of lasting hope. “Hope for Europe is not a slogan for us. It is a testimony,” said Alesio Sema, general secretary of the Albanian Evangelical Alliance, known by its Albanian initials, VUSH. “If God can bring hope to a land that was once called the first atheist state in the world, he can bring hope to every nation in this room.”
Connie Main Duarte, secretary general of the European Evangelical Alliance, said the core aim was to go beyond national and organizational boundaries and to move toward new forms of collaboration. “Just as importantly, Hope for Europe sought to deepen friendship and fellowship across the continent, connecting believers from north to south and east to west.” She added that participant feedback was very positive, with strengthened relationships and a renewed commitment to working together. “For the leadership team, the gathering was a significant step forward: Jesus remained central, relationships were strengthened, and a renewed commitment to collaboration was nurtured. The hope is that these connections will continue to grow, enabling the European Church to work together more creatively and faithfully so that more people across Europe can find hope in Jesus.”
Organizers said Hope for Europe 2026 was designed not as a traditional lecture-style conference, but as a conversation-driven gathering meant to create relationships that extend beyond existing boundaries. “Hope 2026 creates space to listen to what’s happening in Europe, learn together through shared input and lead collaboratively to help more people find hope in Jesus.”
WEA Secretary General Rev. Botrus Mansour said the conference was excellent and well organized, adding that the messages on hope resonated across speakers. “I was pleased that we were able to talk about the Call33 initiative, and although the European Evangelical Alliance has its own programs of learning communities, we received interest from those in attendance. Overall, the Alani event was a great opportunity to meet and network with many attending the conference, Mansour said.”
The gathering explored four dimensions of Christian hope: a hope that anchors, transforms, connects, and endures. Participants engaged through devotionals, worship, workshops, and structured journey groups focused on reflection and dialogue. The event also showcased 19 EEA networks and 21 Hope Labs addressing issues facing the church in Europe, including family and identity, organizational development and sustainability, digital mission, faith in the public square, leadership, and mission paradigms.
A highlight of the event was the Hope Award presentation to the Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine, recognizing its commitment to excellence, collaboration, and perseverance amid uncertain times. Participants also united in prayer for peace in Ukraine and an end to the war.
In his closing message, Rev. Botrus Mansour focused on the character of Joseph, son of Jacob, drawing on themes of enduring hardship and anchoring faith in God. Rev. Botrus Mansour delivered the conference’s closing message, focusing on the character of Joseph, son of Jacob, and applying the points shared by other speakers on enduring hardship and anchoring faith in God.
Rev. Mansour also participated in a leadership workshop, including succession, and shared information about the Call33 initiative.
Hope 2026 concluded in Golem, Albania, with participation from around 200 attendees from 35 European countries.
