From 15^th to 18^th April 2010, the representatives from Andante’s member organisations gathered in Strasbourg, France for the second General Assembly of Andante since its Constitutive Assembly, May 2006 in Budapest. Three Study Days on the theme “Europa – Women: a force for democracy!” were followed by the Statutory Assembly. In addition to the usual items like the adoption of the financial and activities report over the last two years, the delegates ratified the membership of two new organisations, they elected a new Co-ordinating Committee and ratified the election of the chair. They also defined the areas in which Andante should be active for the next three years: internal and external communication, spiritual development, education and training, political involvement. For each of these areas specific suggestions were made.

It was decided to hold the next General Assembly in April 2013 in Bratislava, Slovakia and to combine the Statutory Assembly with study days, like this time. But before that, in August 2011, a Summer School will be organised in Reute, South Germany, on the theme: “Women’s spirituality – yesterday, today and tomorrow”.
As a response to queries from individual people about joining Andante, it was decided to offer the opportunity to become a ‘Friend of Andante’ to individual women and men. During the Eucharist closing the Assembly the ‘Common Prayer of Andante’ was presented.

Read more about the Statutory Assembly and the Study Days

A warm ‘welcome!’ to the Catholic Action of the Women of Luxembourg (ACFL) who recently decided to join Andante. “Applying for membership in your organisation is an expression of our organisation’s belief in the values that Andante stands for and a sincere wish to come closer – both in work and thought – to European women’s organisations and their representatives”, was given as one of the reasons for their decision. For more information on the ACFL, see their web site www.acfl.lu

13^th to 17^th July 2009 in Hoddesdon, U.K.

Asked for her opinion on the Summer School, Christine Newman, recently elected President of the NBCW, said: “The conference was a great success. It attracted a considerable number of young women as well as those of more mature years and it was delightful to see women of all ages and nationalities working together to develop their media skills and awareness with such obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment”.
Marie-Louise van Wijk-van de Ven (NL), Chair of andante said: “andante recognises the importance of creating opportunities to bring women together from different cultures. We were able to develop our media skills creatively and to use the experience of some of our members in various media projects. The media world needs us and we look forward to making an impact”.

To the press release issued at the end of the Summer School

During the recent conflict in Gaza a group of Israeli and Palestinian women’s organisations were campaigning for peace in their countries. They were also asking for the inclusion of women in any peace negotiations which take place.
Andante sent them a message of support: “We, members of ANDANTE, European Alliance of Catholic Women's Organisations, wish to congratulate you on your statement which calls for peace. Women and children are the main victims of the violence which has been taking place. Women must and should be included in any peace negotiations which will take place.”

To the message of the Israeli and Palestinian women.