On May 19, 200 people from 25 countries — with a focus on Central Europe — came together on a boat journeying down the Danube from Bratislava to Vienna. Representatives and senior politicians from all 25 nations asked God for forgiveness for the wrongs committed by their countries and extended forgiveness to those who had harmed their own nations. This day was full of blessings — and hopefully marks a new beginning. The day was filled with powerful, moving moments, one highlight after another.

Some of the feedback we received:

• “It was the most amazing day of my life.”

• “It was a turning point in my life.”

• “Things will be different in my life and in my country from now on.”

• “There is a before and an after.”

• “It was a very important step in my personal journey.”

• “This is the beginning of something very big and new.”

• “Historic!”

• “It was the most powerful prayer breakfast I have ever attended.”

• “God was so present — I felt Him the whole time!”

One of the key themes on board was strengthening Central Europe. Politicians from ten countries shared their perspectives — a wonderful diversity of voices. They emphasized the importance of:

• strengthening families to counter the looming demographic crisis,
• understanding democracy and freedom more deeply through the lens of our roots and often tragic history,
• revitalizing our values and ideas,
• building bridges — even to those with whom we disagree.

There was broad consensus: we need to reinvigorate the spirit of Europe. The prayer breakfast movement provides a strong model of “Track 2 Diplomacy” — where people meet on a spiritual level, creating a foundation for deeper cooperation.

Personal testimonies of forgiveness were shared openly and profoundly. One story that deeply moved participants was that of an Albanian woman whose husband had been murdered in a blood feud — yet she and her children forgave the killer, breaking the cycle of violence.

Amongst our keynote speakers were former Kansas Governor and religious freedom advocate Sam Brownback, and Native American leader Negiel BigPond. They spoke about the United States’ official apology to Native Americans and their shared path of reconciliation — a powerful inspiration, especially for those of us still entangled in unresolved conflicts, large or small. In this spirit, we adopted the resolution “Building a Community of Dignity”.

All in all: a day of true “fellow-ship,” a fresh start for many relationships — and perhaps for an entire region.