Ecumenical diversity: Father Thomas impresses with his insights in Nienhagen

Ecumenical diversity: Father Thomas impresses with his insights in Nienhagen

On June 18, 2025, an informative afternoon of the SoVD Nienhagen local association took place in the Hagensaal Nienhagen. Father Thomas was invited as a speaker and offered the almost 50 people present exciting insights into the diversity of the Protestant religious communities in Celle. The event attracted participants from different communities, including the Protestant city parish, the Catholic parish, the Concordia parish as well as the Evangelical Free Church and Evangelical Reformed parishes.

During this meeting, important ecumenical relationships were discussed. Father Thomas noted that an annual ecumenical service on Trinity and regular meetings are planned to promote mutual understanding among the different faith communities. In his presentation he also mentioned the Orthodox communities in Celle, although there are currently no joint activities with them.

Diversity of parishes in Celle

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

• Evangelisch-reformierte Kirchengemeinde: Gegründet durch Hugenotten, befindet sich die Kirche an der Hannoverschen Straße und ist 1700 erbaut worden. Ihre schlichte Gestaltung ohne Turm zeichnet sie aus.
• Martin-Luther-Kirche der Concordia Gemeinde: Diese Freikirche wurde 1934 im charakteristischen norddeutschen Backsteinstil errichtet. Sie hat ca. 550 Mitglieder und finanziert sich durch freiwillige Beiträge.
• Christusgemeinde Celle: Teil der selbständigen evangelisch-lutherischen Kirche (SELK), hat sie ihre Wurzeln in der Hermannsburger Erweckungsbewegung des 19. Jahrhunderts.
• Baptistenkirche: Eine evangelisch-freikirchliche Gemeinde, die nur Erwachsene tauft, die ihren Glauben bekennen. Ihre Gottesdienste sind lebendig und bieten eine offene Atmosphäre.

Father Thomas emphasized the great value of diversity and respectful treatment within the Protestant religion. The afternoon ended with 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 unity

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

The EKD appreciates the need to overcome existing barriers and sees close cooperation with Protestant free churches and Anglican churches as an opportunity to deepen church communion. Common prayers and church services are particularly emphasized as a source of life for ecumenism.

In summary, the afternoon in Nienhagen was a further step on the way to strengthening the Protestant community in Celle and beyond. The exchange between the different communities shows that there is already a lot in motion, even if the road to unity is still long.