Ecumenical diversity: Father Thomas inspires in Nienhagen

Ecumenical diversity: Father Thomas inspires in Nienhagen

Celle, Deutschland - On June 18, 2025, an informative afternoon of the SOVD local association Nienhagen took place in the Hagenaal Nienhagen. Father Thomas was invited as a speaker and provided exciting insights into the variety of evangelical religious communities in Celle to the almost 50 present. The event attracted participants from different communities, including the Evangelical City Church community, the Catholic parish, the Concordia community and the Evangelical Free Church.

As part of this meeting, important ecumenical relationships were discussed. Father Thomas pointed out that an annual ecumenical service of Trinitatis and regular meetings are planned in order to promote mutual understanding among the different beliefs. In his presentation, he also mentioned the Orthodox communities in Celle, to which there are no common activities.

variety of the parishes in Celle

Father Thomas presented the four Protestant parishes in Celle, each with its own history and tradition:

• Evangelical Reformed parish : founded by Huguenots, the church is located on Hannoversche Strasse and was built in 1700. It distinguishes her simple design without a tower.
• Martin Luther Church of the Concordia community : This Freikirche was built in 1934 in the characteristic North German brick style. She has about 550 members and is financed by voluntary contributions.
• Christusgemeinde Celle : Part of the independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK), she has her roots in the Hermannsburg revival movement of the 19th century.
• Baptistenkirche : an Evangelical Free Church community that only baptizes adults who confess their faith. Your services are alive and offer an open atmosphere.

Father Thomas emphasized the great value the diversity and respectful handling within the Protestant religion. The afternoon ended over coffee and cake; The rich buffet was provided by the Stremmel bakery, and those present were enthusiastic about the selection of delicious cakes.

The ecumenical path to unit

In the larger context of the Protestant community, ecumenism is a central concern. In its latest report on the need to strengthen the cooperation between churches and to promote the use of justice, peace and the preservation of creation. Despite the progress in the 20th century, many goals have not yet been achieved. The search for visible community in faith and common services play a crucial role in how ekd.de.

The EKD estimates the need to overcome existing barriers and sees close cooperation with Evangelical Freikirchen and Anglican churches to deepen the parish. In particular, the common prayers and services are highlighted as a source of life of ecumenism.

summarized the afternoon in Nienhagen was another step on the way to strengthening the Evangelical Community in Celle and beyond. The exchange between the different communities shows that a lot is already in motion, even if the way to unity is still long.