Russian Catholic Bishops have held historic meetings with representatives of leading European and American Catholic organisations about the future of the Church in Russia.

During meetings held this week at Aid to the Church in Need’s international’s headquarters in Koenigstein, Germany, the Roman Catholic Bishops from Russia described the situation in their dioceses and the general situation of Church in Russia.

Groups meeting the Russian bishops were the charities Aid to the Church in Need, Caritas, and Renovabis, as well as representatives from the United States and Italian Conferences of Catholic Bishops.

Those present promised to continue supporting the Catholic Church in Russia to help it to meet the challenges of the post-communist era.

With the Russian economy facing new difficulties – some reports suggest that falling oil prices will lead to the devaluation of the rouble – representatives pledged to help the Catholic Church in Russia to work towards becoming more independent from foreign aid in the future.

At the first of what is hoped to be a regular series of meetings, the formation of candidates for the priesthood and higher studies for priests and sisters topped the agenda.

It was agreed that special assistance will be given for the training of seminarians, the building and maintenance of churches, and the promotion of Christian values within society.

The meetings also addressed the issue of the situation of Catholic media in Russia, social work and pastoral work, and the relationship between different Christian denominations in the Russian Federation.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the Apostolic Nuncio in Moscow, Archbishop Antonio Mennini.

Those present said that they were honoured and inspired by the archbishop’s presence.