Pentecost 2009: Leipzig reading

An ecumenical link has existed betweent Christians in Leipzig and Milton Keynes since 1987. An ecumenical group from Leipzig visited MK just last week. The visitors prepared themselves for their visit by studing a discussion paper prepared by Fulbert Steffensky, which in turn was discussed with thier Milton Keynes hosts.

This except, a third of the original lecture, will be read at Christ the Cornerstone on Pentecost Day.


The Church of Tomorrow: Fulbert Steffensky


1. Tomorrow’s church will be less connected to the state. We don’t know what will happen to holidays and Sundays. We don’t know if the name of God will be mentioned in the European constitution...

2. Tomorrow’s church will be smaller and poorer. No longer will it have at its disposal the vast resources for constructing its buildings, for academies and social facilities. This is a chance for the church to refocus. It can and will have to relearn who it is and what it needs to do.

3. Tomorrow’s church will be ecumenical. It will no longer allow the nonsense of confessional double structures. There won’t be a Catholic parish hall next to a Protestant one anymore, and a Catholic Nursing Home next to a Lutheran. The new ecumenism will liberate the denominations from the wrong and childish issues they are still caught up in today.

4. Tomorrow’s church will be less directed by the clergy. It will need the charismata of lay persons and voluntary workers and will be given much from them.

5. Tomorrow’s church will be more dominated by women. Because of that its theology will probably be more risky and diverse. Theological correctness and the trying to avoid making mistakes will play a lesser role.

6. Tomorrow’s church will be less determined by Eurocentrism. It will be influenced by other forms of piety and church services. On the one hand this is dangerous; on the other hand it’s an opportunity.

7. The members of tomorrow’s church will come from a society so far away from traditions, that they in turn will be able to devote themselves to the traditions of Christianity in freedom and without resentments. Breaking traditions leads to being open to traditions.