Karlsruhe presents itself at the largest Christian meeting in the world | DOMRADIO.DE
It is the largest gathering of Christians from all over the world. For the first time it is to take place in Germany: But whether the World Council of Churches can really invite you to the General Assembly in Karlsruhe in the summer depends above all on one factor.
For the first time, the World Council of Churches (WCC) wants to hold its general assembly in Germany in the new year – provided the corona pandemic allows it. The meeting of more than 4000 Christians from all over the world is planned from August 31 to September 8 in Karlsruhe. The motto should be: “The love of Christ moves, reconciles and unites the world”.
World Council of Churches
The WCC sees itself as a fellowship of 349 churches from more than 100 countries, representing over 580 million people worldwide. These include Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed and independent churches. The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body and usually meets every eight years. It is said to be “the most comprehensive gathering of Christians worldwide”.
Different options
According to the current status, there are three scenarios in the event that the general assembly is possible despite a pandemic: The preferred option would be that 4500 people can gather on the fairground of the congress center. About 1000 people could only watch the event online. The second scenario sees 3000 people on site and correspondingly more in front of the screens. In the third variant, the organizers are assuming 1900 people on the fairground.
The central committee will meet in February. “This is a critical moment in the overall assessment of whether planning should continue or whether significant changes will be required,” the WCC said.
Last WCC assembly in Europe in 1968
The last WCC assembly in Europe was in 1968 in Uppsala, Sweden. According to the head of the coordination office, Oberkirchenrat Marc Witzenbacher from the Evangelical Church in Germany, the hosts of the eleventh edition now include the EKD itself, the German Bishops’ Conference, the Working Group of Christian Churches in Germany and churches in France and Switzerland.
Depending on the decisions of the WCC based in Geneva, according to Witzenbacher, a program of encounters is currently planned: At various locations in downtown Karlsruhe, topics and priorities of the work of the WCC are to be presented with a broad program. This is especially intended for people from the region, day visitors and international participants.
“Extensive program in Karlsruhe”
A weekend program is also being planned on September 3 and 4, with around 60 excursions each planned in the region: from Frankfurt to Basel, Strasbourg to Stuttgart. Ecumenical working groups on site were already delivering the excursions at the moment. “There will also be an extensive program in Karlsruhe,” announced Witzenbacher.
Karlsruhe wants to use the chance to present itself internationally as an intercultural and interdenominational city. The center of the event is to be the information according to “Magic Sky” – a 42 meter diameter tent construction, among other things, the everyday church services are held.
“Specifically, the design of the opening day, which includes a public procession across the market square with a small supporting program and greetings / speeches from state and federal politics and churches, is currently being planned,” said a spokesman for the city.