2011-09-19 16:08:30

Ecumenical relations in Germany : Professor Friederike Nussel


Friederike Nüssel is Professor of Systematic Theology and Head of the Ecumenical Institute of Heidelberg University in Germany .

In an interview with Veronica Scarisbrick focusing on ecumenical relations between the Protestant and the Catholic Churches in her nation , Professor Nüssel expresses her personal hope for the outcome of the Pope's third visit back home which has as theme: " Where God is, there is the future ": " I do hope that this visit of the Pope will encourage us in understanding and really confirming and affirming the motto of his visit and secondly I hope that he will find a way to address the issue of the Reformation in a way which allows both of our Churches to get an impulse " .

Professor Nüssel also tells Veronica she feels the encounter of the Pope in Erfurt with representatives of the EKD, an umbrella organization which groups together the Reformed, United and Lutheran Churches, at the Augustinian Monastery where Luther lived and worked and where in a way the Reformation began represents a "very good ecumenical sign" .

In this interview Veronica also asks whether Protestants in Germany perceive that they are the 'separated brethren' the German Pope knows best : " I think many people know that the Pope as an academic scholar knows a lot about the Reformation and the development of Protestant thought ,so I think this is recognized and perceived ".

Another issue explored in this interview which briefly touches on uniting elements at a theological level between Catholics and Protestants is connected to the significance of the forthcoming 2017 anniversary of the Reformation for the Lutheran Church.

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