What is the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Berlin, Germany?
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche is popularly referred to as the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which is a Christian organization in Berlin, Germany. It is lodge and affiliated to the Protestant Church in Germany, often known as the Evangelical Church in Germany or EKD, which is the largest Protestant church within Germany.
History
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche has its origin in the 16th century with the event of the Reformation. It was in the course of this period that a German theologian known as Martin Luther embarked on campaigning for the change in the Roman Catholic Church. Thus, Luther’s doctrine left an impact on the formation of protestant church especially the Evangelical Lutheran church.
Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche was officially introduced in the middle of the nineteenth century, and it is in Berlin. It has significantly contributed to the cultural and religious life of the city since it has been offering people religious guidance, prayers, and has provided prayer services as well as a host of other community services.
Beliefs and Practices
For this reason, the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche Church adheres to most of the teachings of the Protestant Reformation that was espoused by Martin Luther. The following are some of the beliefs with respect to the church
The key message that Luther highlighted was that man is saved by faith alone on the basis of the merit of the offer made by Jesus Christ and not on interventions.
Sovereignty of the Scriptur : This statement simply teaches that the Bible is all-sufficient for doctrine, practice and daily living for the church and all those that believes in the church.
This church also only recognizes two sacraments, which are baptism and Holy Communion.
In practices, the church has organised means of worship where people gather and chant prayers, songs, read their bibles, have speeches and share in the drinking of wine during a ceremony known as holy communion. It also provides spiritual support, advice, and information for all age groups of people who are members of this organization.
Church Structure
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in particular is not a single building but is a church that consists several congregational or parishes within the Berlin area. Every church is pastored and has its own church council to take charge of the church’s matter.
While at the regional levels the church forms the church districts which becomes responsible for the coordination of activities together with offering support to the churches within that specific regions. The district is headed by a superintendent or a bishop or a director for a specific field of practice.
At the national level, the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche links with the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD) that is a union of Protestant churches in the nation.
Church Life and Community Involvement
Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Berlin as one of the major religious institutions contributes to the life of the community society and practices social benevolent activities. It maintains a number of diaconal institutions, like hospitals and nursing homes and social service agencies, through which it ministers to people‘s needs.
Another aspect of the church’s activities is the social one – it is actively engaged in the interfaith dialogue and therefore attempts to help the different religious groups in Berlin understand each other and establish cooperation.
Conclusion
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche is another important denomination of the Protestant community in Berlin with its root that could be traced back to the time of Protestant Reformation. For that reason it becomes one of the most important institutions in the provision of spiritual support to its members and a strong role player in the society.
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