Impossible to slide a piece of paper between an Anglican and the Head of the German Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Bätzing and Association of Christian Churches in Germany Chairman praise good co-operation between Churches

Visible sign of lived ecumenism

During ACK Chairman Easthill's inaugural visit, Bishop Bätzing praised the lived ecumenical community. Both warned: In a divided society, the churches must counteract this with the message of charity.

The new chairman of the Association of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK), Christopher Easthill, and the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference (DBK), Bishop Georg Bätzing, have reaffirmed the importance of good cooperation between churches in Germany. "The ACK is a visible sign of lived ecumenical community, for which we as the Catholic Church are very grateful," said Bätzing on Monday during the Anglican clergyman's inaugural visit to Limburg.

In this context, the DBK chairman praised the intensive exchange of experiences within the ACK. This increases "attention and understanding for one another," and concerns are pooled and implemented in joint projects. Bätzing cited the shared commitment to the preservation of creation as an example. Easthill also spoke of a "successful example of shared witness."

Churches must counter this

At the same time, Easthill emphasized that in an increasingly polarized society and world, churches must counter this with the message of charity. "I am convinced that our voice will be most audible when it is shared and formulated jointly by all churches," said the ACK chairman.

The ACK, founded in 1948, currently has 19 churches and communities. In March of this year, Easthill became the first Anglican to be elected as its leader. He succeeded the Greek Orthodox Archpriest Radu Constantin Miron.

German Bishops' Conference

The German Bishops' Conference is the association of Catholic bishops in Germany. They lead one of the 27 dioceses as local bishops or support it as auxiliary bishops. It currently has 61 members (September 24).

Diocesan administrators, who temporarily administer a diocese following the resignation or death of a local bishop, also belong to the conference.

Source

Bishop Bätzing should ask Easthill about why the Anglicans who ordain women and overdose on synod are in such massive decline.