A step forward

“Each day of the Second ‘Ökumenische Kirchentag’ has occasioned significant contributions”, Stefan Vesper, Secretary General of German Catholics told SIR Europe on the aftermath of the closing of the Second Ecumenical Conference of German Churches. “As compared to the first edition held in Berlin in 2003, it can be said that Munich constituted a significant step forward; it’s an encouragement to hold the third edition. We don’t know when, but since these days have been reason to hope we’re sure it will happen”.Which of the initiatives in Munich were especially significant? “Firstly, the major inaugural celebration on the Theresienwiese, attended by thousands of people. The bell-toll heard across the city that reached out to Christian faithful was a liberating moment, which concluded the five-year organizing phase and inaugurated the event. The feast of the Ascension held Thursday morning was momentous. The program envisaged confessional liturgies in three major Churches across the city and a pilgrimage that brought us together from three different areas on the esplanade where the ecumenical celebration was held. This gave a major spiritual thrust to the Ökt”.Did no one question the fact that in an event with such ecumenical bearing confessional liturgies were celebrated separately? “No, the Ökt chairing committee is aware that the event must be marked by mutual respect for the specific rules and practices of the Churches. Until now this basic principle has always been respected with great sensitivity and never caused problems. In Germany there certainly are groups with different traditions and religious practices; the theme of the sharing of the Eucharistic, just like other theological matters, was a major theme in the workshops and meetings held in the past days. However, the rule of respect was not violated, thus no problems arose”.What were the other momentous occasions in Munich? “On Friday the debate regarding the theme of sexual abuses inside the Church was very important. The theme, which caused much pain and polemics in Germany over the past months, was addressed on various occasions in the Ökt, but the fact that it was the subject of the panel meeting on Friday and the words of bishop Ackermann of Trier, President of the Commission on sexual abuses, were very meaningful. The celebration of the vespers on Friday evening, which ended with the blessing of the bread distributed across thousands of tables scattered throughout the Odeonplatz gave an extraordinary contribution to the Ökt”.In Berlin the Orthodox were less visible. Why? “Their presence constitutes the major difference with the Berlin Kirchentag, visible already in the preparations for Munich. Indeed, three representatives of the 17 member churches of the German Ecumenical Council (Ack), along with the Catholic and Evangelical bodies, are an integrating part of Ökt’s presidency, which includes an Orthodox. In Munich there is a large Orthodox community and these days were an opportunity to meet them up close”. The event was attended by high political representatives. What was their message?“Both President Khöler and Chancellor Merkel spoke clear and encouraging words to the Churches. The former described the Churches as the ‘indispensable players of German society’, while Merkel referred to Christianity as ‘the foundation of contemporary society’. Indeed, as could be seen in the multifarious presence of Catholic, Evangelical and ecumenical representatives in the large fair set up in Munich, Christian realities, which give a significant contribution to Germany, are part and parcel of the Country’s social fabric. While keeping our glance fixed on the scandals of the past months, Christian witness conveyed by these manifold realities was critical to the transmission of trust and courage. Also the contribution of the initiative “Together for Europe” promoted by the movements in Germany which coordinated a one-day panel meeting, was extremely significant”.What is the balance of the Ökt?“I see that ecumenism is growing along with mutual trust. The journey of understanding is developing: we are increasingly aware of the gifts of others, although many treasures in mutual encounter are yet to be disclosed. In particular, the meeting highlighted the contribution of Orthodoxy. As compared to Berlin, there was greater acknowledgement to this regard. Considering the historical phase experienced by Christians in Germany there have been many stimuli provided by these days of sharing regarding the prosecution of our commitment and our responsibilities in the social realm”.