Originally produced by the WCC Europe Task Force with CEC as a background document for the WCC Central Committee in January 2001. Revised version: May 2002. The present background document, Churches & Europe: a Reader, includes selected overviews of European experience, including political life, war, mission, and solidarity-as well as of the churches and the ecumenical movement in the region. The purpose of this short document is to provide the reader with relevant introductory documents that highlight significant information and references concerning the region. The Reader surveys some of the most important aspects of church and ecumenical experience, particularly during the most recent decades. The document does not pretend to be complete or exhaustive; rather it seeks to provide a series of snapshots or impressions which may stimulate further reflection and discussion by the general reader and among churches in Europe. The compilers have drawn extensively on existing research, including ecumenical documents and sources. Resources are also suggested for those interested in furthering their knowledge and understanding.