European Evangelical Alliance Convenes Hope for Europe Gathering in Albania

The European Evangelical Alliance opened its fifth Hope for Europe gathering on October 5, 2026, in Golem, Albania. The five-day event, themed "Hope in Uncertain Times," brings together approximately 250 Christian leaders from across the continent to discuss the future of the church. This marks the movement's first major assembly since the 2022 meeting in Sarajevo.

During the opening session, Alesio Sema, general secretary of the Albanian Evangelical Alliance, highlighted the significance of hosting the event in a nation that was once officially declared the world's first atheist state. Drawing on Romans 15:19, Sema reflected on the historical presence of the gospel in the region, which was known in antiquity as Illyricum. He emphasized that despite decades of state-enforced atheism and the suppression of religious practice, the Christian faith has persisted in Albania.

Organizers stated that the gathering aims to provide a platform for leaders to share testimonies and address contemporary challenges facing European churches. The event is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 9.