ICCS EM regional committee meeting, 21-24 May 2026, Rome
Our Committee (Father Benoist, Martina, Rawan, Robert and Jacques) met in Rome. We appreciate that Jules and João are on board, thanks to the support of their respective associations.
In those days leading up to Pentecost, a review was made of regional Council expectations identified by the 19 member associations that attended the meeting in Monaco (November 2025). Our intention is to reach out initially some national member associations expressing their need to receive — or on the other hand a wish to give — technical assistance in the action areas: Communication and Digital Presence, Training for Mission, Networking and Support.
Interesting meetings with Vatican’s Authorities
At a competence-building session with Sister Nathalie Bequart, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, we delved into “conversation in the Spirit” as a means of strengthening dialogue for decision making, both in ecclesial life and in Scouting.
Elsewhere, we were received by Cardinal Koovakad and staff of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. They encouraged Scouting — particularly in the Middle East — to be active in the youth dimension of their work. They welcomed the information we shared about the World Scout Interreligious Symposium (Marseille, France 27th October to 1st November 2026).
Following a working dinner and meeting with the world chaplain, chairperson, and office manager, we better perceive respective roles and responsibilities. Concerning those related to relations with member associations of the region, we are pleased to report that at the invitation of Movimiento Scout Católico (Spain), the committee attended its national Congress — a key moment for reflection and dialogue during this International Year of Volunteering. Martina witnessed important efforts to consider the Catholic identity of an engaged ICCS member association as it aligns with the World and European Scout Strategic Plans.
Scouting’s spiritual and religious dimensions, Kandersteg
During Easter Week, Jules brought the national leadership of Scouts & Gidsen Vlaanderen to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre to undertake a major review of their values and identity. As part of the reflection on Scouting’s spiritual and religious dimensions, Robert facilitated a journey of discovery of the Buddhist monastery, Reformed Church and the small Catholic community in Kandersteg. This complemented an exploration of the environmental threats facing a mountain village, guided in spiritual reflection by Michael, the ICCS Laudato Si’ lead.
Chaplains’ meeting, 3-6 May 2026, Strunjan, Slovenia
While ICCS has globally focused on our being Leaven in the Dough, Euromed chaplains and others responsible for spiritual accompaniment lived an experience of being Salt of the Earth during their three-day gathering at the beginning of May in Strunjan, Slovenia co-organized with ICCG.
Catholic leadership and identity within Scouting and Guiding, in harmony with the synodal journey of the Church were key topics discussed. The many points of contact between the Synodal method and the active pedagogy of the Guide and Scout method were explored. Scout and Guide leaders face the
challenges present in team building, self-expression, planning and sharing responsibility in a small group. This experience is a strong foundation for explaining the Synodal method.
The meeting pointed out that chaplains and other leaders committed to spiritual development can build on the commonalities in the methods to help Guides find God through their Guiding, show Scouts where to feel the Holy Spirit in their Scouting. This can nourish young curiosity about their place in the Church and its mission in society as well as appreciate opportunities for interreligious dialogue unique to our Movements. Participants went away with the challenge to reflect on the place of their Catholic faith within their engagement in the life of the Scout and Guide Movements.
PLACE OF RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE IN SCOUTING
Recognising the importance of dialogue on the place of religious experience within the Scout and Guide methods, the committee prioritises engagement with the top leadership of member associations on this fundamental principle of Scouting.
What do you think should be done by Catholics in Scouting to ensure room for religion in the space available for spirituality in Scout programs?
What would your national commissioners or lead volunteers need to hear concerning the Catholic identity within the fabric of the modern Movements?
Please let us know how we should approach this matter in the coming WOSM and WAGGGS regional events.
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