These conflicts may even cause wars as we learned in the former Yugoslavia. To give you an example one of the largest ethnical minorities in Europe is the approx. This minority had been restricted in preserving the national identity during the communist times. Now internet could help the people of minorities to have contact with their mother country. The flow of information in both directions may be increased and in this way people living abroad may take part in the life and culture of the mother country.
Churches play traditionally a great role in preserving the national identity of minorities.
Internet contacts between minority and mother country may be initiated by the churches of both countries which have contacts with one another. In addition, a church-initiated internet usage may give an example of a positive use of internet by solving the ethnical conflicts and creating peace. In conclusion the importance of internet for the East European churches may be summarised in the picture of a bridge. The combination of historical changes in our countries with the new communication technology enables to release us from the ballasts of the past and to build bridges to the future.