Debate on the future of the church: between tradition and renewal
The discussion was kicked off by the former Bishop of the Methodist Church in South Africa, Paul Verryn.
In his keynote speech on 2 September, the former bishop of the Methodist Church in South Africa, Paul Verryn, spoke about the urgent need to renew the church and refocus its mission. Paul Verryn emphasised that the church must not get caught up in rigid structures, but should be a living community based on personal encounters with Christ. He criticised today's church for focusing too much on bureaucracy and power struggles instead of focusing on its original mission of serving those in need and promoting social justice. The church needs to take a critical look at its history and shed new light on ethical issues such as the handling of money, power and gender justice, he said.
Pastor Dr Yonas Yigezu, President of the Ethiopian Mekane Jesus Church, responded to Paul Verryn's presentation by emphasising the central role of the church as a spiritual community. For Yonas Yigezu, the church's main task is the proclamation of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments. He warned that the diaconal ministry should not overshadow the church's main mission, namely the proclamation of the Gospel: "The church is not a non-governmental organisation, but a community sanctified by grace through faith in Christ." Yonas Yigezu also emphasised the importance of the Holy Scriptures, the priesthood of all believers, transparent church administration and the confessional aspect of faith, which should be expressed both through words and actions in society.
Gabrielle Ücker Thum, Vice-Coordinator of the National Youth Council of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil, brought in another perspective and emphasised the importance of community in being church. In her opinion, the church should also work every day to ensure that all people can live in dignity. This also means that the church should welcome people of all genders and LGBTQIA+ people as part of the community and stand up for their rights. In addition, she sees the commitment to climate justice and the integrity of creation as a task of the church. Gabrielle Ücker Thum also reported on the strong growth of conservative and fundamentalist churches in Brazil. "Their big and loud bands, the colourful lights and all these entertainment aspects of the church services pretend to be very modern. But they propagate a limited worldview and a false power concerning the Holy Scriptures and God's blessing." This misguided theology, she said, leads to a lot of oppression and abuse in her country, such as gender-based violence. She emphasised that the church should be a safe place to explore questions of faith and face the challenges of the modern world.
Wiebke Zimmermann, youth delegate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover in Germany, shared her dream of a church that is a safe place for all. In her opinion, the church must stand up for social and climate justice and must clearly raise its voice in this regard. The church should also offer hope in the face of the crises of our time. Her church is a church of people, for and with people of all generations. Speaking specifically about young people, she emphasised: "We are a community of faith and, in order to be able to practice our faith, the church must provide space and resources. We want to live out our faith, and we need resources to do so." In view of the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, she also had a clear call for church leaders from Germany: "The church must raise its voice against fascism in Germany. I don't want to live in a fascist country and I'm sure you don't either."
Key statements:
- Paul Verryn: The church needs to renew itself and promote social justice instead of focusing on bureaucracy and power.
- Yonas Yigezu: If the church wants to be missional, it needs to organise its services inclusively so that everyone feels and remains welcome.
- Gabrielle Ücker Thum: The church should work every day to ensure that all people can live in dignity.
- Wiebke Zimmermann: I dream of a church that is a safe place for all people, is committed to social and climate justice and offers hope in the face of the crises of our time.
