WARSAW, 19 June 2026 – The Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) has taken a historic step by beginning the implementation of Resolution 2533 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on accountability, redress and safeguarding for survivors of child sexual abuse. At an international conference in Warsaw, co-organised with the Justice Initiative, representatives of more than 40 Protestant churches launched a multi-year European process to strengthen prevention, safeguarding and survivor support. The Justice Initiative, which successfully lobbied for the adoption of Resolution 2533, welcomes this important milestone.
The conference marks the transition from political commitment to practical implementation. Representing 96 Protestant churches in more than 30 countries, the CPCE has committed itself to helping its member churches strengthen safeguarding measures and improve protection for children and vulnerable adults.
For Guido Fluri, founder of the Justice Initiative, this is a landmark for survivors across Europe.
“Today, the CPCE has laid the foundation for a collective change in mindset. It will become a model for churches and for other sectors of society that are still at the very beginning of addressing past abuse, prevention, protection and safeguarding.”
The Justice Initiative played a key role in securing Resolution 2533, which was unanimously adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in 2024. Inspired by Switzerland’s process of confronting historical abuse, the resolution calls on European states and institutions to strengthen accountability, prevention and redress for survivors.
Around 100 representatives from more than 40 Protestant churches participated in the Warsaw conference. Over three days, they exchanged experiences on safeguarding, discussed prevention strategies and laid the foundations for long-term European cooperation.
The conference was organised jointly by the CPCE and the Justice Initiative, underlining their shared commitment to ensuring that churches become safer places for children and vulnerable adults. For the Justice Initiative, Warsaw represents an important next step: ensuring that the principles of Resolution 2533 are translated into concrete action across Europe.
