Editorial

The pastoral course held in Prague in January was aptly titled "Light in the darkness" (Lux in tenebris). It explored in depth the dark threats of the contemporary world and looked for rays of hope that are neither false nor cheap. We are aware that this is how we perceive the current situation from our Central European perspective, while for many people in the world the dark sky without hopeful prospects has long been a daily reality.

Being more aware of the people around us, to perceive and be of help, is what we wanted to contribute to with our March conference in the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic focused on human dignity in crisis situations. The title of the conference, "When we lose ground", was also the theme of a literary competition for secondary school students, the winners of which were rewarded at the conference along with congratulations from the President of the Senate.

A special session of the Synod earlier this year decided by a significant majority to make a major strategic investment in the construction of a building for two Protestant Academy schools. This bold decision is a demonstration of our concern for our youth and an expression of the church's confidence in the future.

We value the service of the volunteers and staff of the church. We appreciate that their interest, thinking and efforts are not just directed within their own church organization but are in service to the work of God's kingdom in the world. We value the friendship of our international partners, extend our warm greetings, and wish you the pleasure and benefit of reading this newsletter. May the Lord God bless you.

Pavel Pokorný