Farewell and retirement of Bishop Karl-Hinrich Manzke

A lifelong commitment to international ecumenism - including 14 years in the ELM

After 14 years in office, on 24 February 2024 Bishop Karl-Hinrich Manzke went inti retirement with a festive service in Bückeburg. We at the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Organisation also had to say goodbye to him at the last meeting of the Mission Committee in December. Manzke was a member of the ELM's highest decision-making body for his entire term as regional bishop. "14 years is a long time," summarises ELM Director Emmanuel Kileo, "that's how long Bishop Manzke has accompanied the ELM and recognised its development: with new beginnings and departures, with opportunities and risks. Mr Manzke has seen both; at times he has been clearly critical, and at other times he has been very supportive. He said that he has been connected to the ELM since childhood, when he attended mission festivals with his parents. And that connection remained, particularly with the subject of intercultural theology, which is a matter close to his heart. He was very committed to the Fachhochschule für Interkulturelle Theologie (FIT) and, after its closure, he campaigned for the topic to be pursued both at the ELM and elsewhere."
The ELM would like to thank Bishop Manzke for his critical, committed and sometimes uncomfortable support, and wishes him all the best and God's blessing in his retirement.