“Liberated by God's Grace”

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

“Liberated by God's Grace” “LIBERATED BY GOD’S GRACE” Assembly Report LWF Twelfth Assembly, Windhoek, Namibia, 10–16 May 2017 “Liberated by God’s Grace” Assembly Report ASSEMBLY REPORT © The Lutheran World Federation, 2017 Published by The Lutheran World Federation – A Communion of Churches Route de Ferney 150 P. O. Box 2100 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland Design: Edwin Hassink/Brandious Concept, editing, translation, revision, layout and photo research: LWF Office for Communication Services, Department for Theology and Public Witness and Department for Planning and Operations ISBN 978-2-940459-74-2 2 LWF Twelfth Assembly Contents Foreword ...........................................................................................................................4 Address of the President .....................................................................................................6 Report of the General Secretary ........................................................................................20 Report of the Chairperson of the Finance Committee ..........................................................38 Liberated by God’s Grace – Keynote Address .....................................................................48 Message ..........................................................................................................................56 Public Statements and Resolutions ...................................................................................64 Salvation—Not for Sale .....................................................................................................86 Human Beings—Not for Sale ............................................................................................96 Creation—Not For Sale ...................................................................................................102 Messages from the Pre-Assemblies ................................................................................. 110 Sermons ........................................................................................................................132 Address of the President-elect .........................................................................................140 Ecumenical Greetings ..................................................................................................... 142 Governing Bodies ...........................................................................................................160 List of Participants ..........................................................................................................166 3 ASSEMBLY REPORT Foreword The Lutheran World Federation’s (LWF) transformative, reconciling and empowering Twelfth Assembly met under the 500th presence in our relationships, church and Reformation anniversary theme, “Liberated society.” May the gifts offered by this Assembly by God’s Grace,” in May 2017, in Windhoek, inspire us to “share fully in each other’s joys Namibia. and sorrows … pray for one another and share our resources, spiritual and material, wherever It gave delegates from all regions of the possible.” (Assembly Message) LWF the opportunity together to experience the ongoing relevance of the message that we are I would like to invite you to reflect on liberated by God’s grace and provided direction commitments made at the Twelfth Assembly for the future work of the LWF. Delegates as well as to give some further thought on experienced God’s powerful call into the the implications of this milestone event on communion that binds the 145 LWF member your work in the church and for the global churches as they proclaim and witness to the communion of churches at large. Gospel of Jesus Christ in their specific contexts. As you read through this report, please join This report brings together the speeches me in a profound sense of gratitude to God for and reports, sermons, messages and greetings God’s faithfulness in nurturing and guiding the that were presented at the Assembly as well as LWF’s journey as a communion in Christ, that the outcome of the Assembly—its message, lives and works together for a just, peaceful and public statements and resolutions. reconciled world. The Assembly message says, “Liberated Rev. Dr Martin Junge, General Secretary, by the Triune God, we pray for the clarity The Lutheran World Federation and courage to go out enlivened by God‘s 4 LWF Twelfth Assembly A choir lights up the worship with singing during the 14 May commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in Windhoek, Namibia. Photo: LWF/Johanan Celine Valeriano 5 ASSEMBLY REPORT Address of the President Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, God’s will for all of humanity. This is as true here in Namibia as in any other part of the I greet each of you in the name of Jesus, planet. the one who liberates us in God’s grace, from Jerusalem, the city of our Lord’s crucifixion I have followed the Namibian struggle and resurrection. It is a great pleasure to be for liberation since the 1970s, when I was a with you here in Namibia, a country and a young Palestinian theology student in Finland. people showing us every day what it means to Namibia’s struggle became part of my struggle overcome adversity in unity, seeking God’s will as well. When it finally came, I celebrated for all. I am especially grateful to the United Namibian freedom as if it were my own Church Council of the Namibian Evangelical liberation. Lutheran churches. You are hosting us with tremendous hospitality and grace. From the context of my own struggle, I am aware that political liberation alone does not When we are in Namibia, we cannot help achieve all that needs to be accomplished for but be inspired by the smiles of this country’s the healing of a nation. This work of promoting citizens. It is a smile of deep wisdom that knows healing through unity is being undertaken by pain but emphasizes joy. We Palestinians are the Namibian government, but also by the known for our hospitality, but Namibians put us churches. The varied histories of Namibia have to shame with their smiles! produced three distinct Lutheran churches; we deeply respect the unity they have been able to I am proud to have served for these seven achieve in the United Church Council. years as president of our global communion. Together, we live in vibrant witness to God’s We know that this emerging unity does work in the world, offering our hands and feet not forget the pain of the past and present. in the service of God’s mission. Today, I will The struggle for liberation was a source of address some of the challenges facing our world great suffering even as it produced so much today and highlight the distinctive ways we, as good in the form of political freedom. We Evangelical Lutheran Christians, might respond. thank God that Namibia is a state seeking economic and social development in order to satisfy the needs of all its people throughout The ongoing work of liberation their large and beautiful territory. With the three churches hosting us here in Namibia, we Throughout the world, we are seeing the have rejoiced with them about their journey ongoing work of God’s liberation. Liberation is of liberation and independence. The LWF 6 LWF Twelfth Assembly Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, President of the LWF. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert has often been humbled when the churches “Forgive us our sins,” openly acknowledges have acknowledged our global communion’s that the “annihilation orders” issued in October contributions to this journey in accompaniment, 1904 against the Herero people and in April support and solidarity. That accompaniment 1905 against the Nama people “were clearly continues today. genocidal.” We deeply appreciate the clarity and depth of the EKD confession “towards the entire We agree with our host churches that Namibian people and towards God”—“This is a growing unity and progress in Namibia cannot great sin which cannot be justified.” be used to ignore trauma. Memories of past injustices must be acknowledged and honored In addition to producing a faithful approach before they can be healed. In Namibia, this that honors memory, the EKD apology process of acknowledging past wrongs and addresses present needs within the Namibian healing memories of trauma can be greatly churches and society. It is especially heartening helped by the much-appreciated confession to see how the apology points toward a of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) process of revisiting partnership agreements concerning “German colonial crimes” in since “the current partnership relations … Namibia. These crimes especially affected reflect and follow from the colonial roots of the Herero, Nama, Damara and San/Khoisan these relationships.” These should “reviewed peoples. The EKD’s Statement on the genocide and revised in such a way as to overcome in former German-Southwest-Africa, entitled the divisions of the past.”1 Decolonizing 1 EKD Statement on the Genocide in former German South West Africa, at https://www.ekd.de/english/texts/ekd_ statement_genocide_german_south_west_africa.html. 7 ASSEMBLY REPORT these structures is an essential step toward The development plan, therefore, is a “call addressing imbalances of power and building for unity” encouraging “Namibians to work right relationships. towards a common purpose.” The plan consists of five pillars: effective governance, economic We acknowledge that this document is advancement, social progression, infrastructure a mid-point in an ongoing process. It builds
Recommended publications
  • God and Moral Humans in Leviathan, Book
    God and the moral beings –A contextual study of Thomas Hobbes’s third book in Leviathan Samuel Andersson Extended Essay C, Spring Term 2007 Department of History of Science and Ideas Uppsala University Abstract Samuel Andersson, God and the moral beings –A contextual study of Thomas Hobbes’s third book in Leviathan. Uppsala University: Department of History of Science and Ideas, Extended Essay C, Spring Term, 2007. The question this essay sets out to answer is what role God plays in Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan, in the book “Of a Christian Common-wealth”, in relationship to humans as moral beings. The question is relevant as the religious aspects of Hobbes’s thinking cannot be ignored, although Hobbes most likely had rather secular and sceptical philosophical views. In order to answer the research question Leviathan’s “Of a Christian Common-wealth” will be compared and contrasted with two contextual works: the canonical theological document of the Anglican Church, the Thirty-Nine Articles (1571), and Presbyterian-Anglican document the Westminster Confession (1648). Also, recent scholarly works on Hobbes and more general reference works will be employed and discussed. Hobbes’s views provide a seemingly unsolvable paradox. On the one hand, God is either portrayed, or becomes by consequence of his sceptical and secular state thinking, a distant God in relationship to moral humans in “Of a Christian Common-wealth”. Also, the freedom humans seem to have in making their own moral decisions, whether based on natural and divine, or positive laws, appears to obscure God’s almightiness. On the other hand, when placing Hobbes in context, Hobbes appears to have espoused Calvinist views, with beliefs in predestination and that God is the cause of everything.
    [Show full text]
  • Start List 2021 IRONMAN Copenhagen (Last Update: 2021-08-15) Sorted by PRO, AWA, Pole Posistion and Age Group (AG) Search for Your Name with "Ctrl F"
    Start list 2021 IRONMAN Copenhagen (last update: 2021-08-15) Sorted by PRO, AWA, Pole Posistion and Age Group (AG) Search for your name with "Ctrl F" BIB First name Last name AG AWA TriClub Nationallty Please note that BIBs will be given onsite according to the selected swim time you choose in registration oniste. 1 Hogenhaug Kristian MPRO DNK (Denmark) 2 Molinari Giulio MPRO ITA (Italy) 3 Wojt Lukasz MPRO DEU (Germany) 4 Svensson Jesper MPRO SWE (Sweden) 5 Sanders Lionel MPRO CAN (Canada) 6 Smales Elliot MPRO GBR (United Kingdom) 7 Heemeryck Pieter MPRO BEL (Belgium) 8 Mcnamee David MPRO GBR (United Kingdom) 9 Nilsson Patrik MPRO SWE (Sweden) 10 Hindkjær Kristian MPRO DNK (Denmark) 11 Plese David MPRO SVN (Slovenia) 12 Kovacic Jaroslav MPRO SVN (Slovenia) 14 Jarrige Yvan MPRO FRA (France) 15 Schuster Paul MPRO DEU (Germany) 16 Dário Vinhal Thiago MPRO BRA (Brazil) 17 Lyngsø Petersen Mathias MPRO DNK (Denmark) 18 Koutny Philipp MPRO CHE (Switzerland) 19 Amorelli Igor MPRO BRA (Brazil) 20 Petersen-Bach Jens MPRO DNK (Denmark) 21 Olsen Mikkel Hojborg MPRO DNK (Denmark) 22 Korfitsen Oliver MPRO DNK (Denmark) 23 Rahn Fabian MPRO DEU (Germany) 24 Trakic Strahinja MPRO SRB (Serbia) 25 Rother David MPRO DEU (Germany) 26 Herbst Marcus MPRO DEU (Germany) 27 Ohde Luis Henrique MPRO BRA (Brazil) 28 McMahon Brent MPRO CAN (Canada) 29 Sowieja Dominik MPRO DEU (Germany) 30 Clavel Maurice MPRO DEU (Germany) 31 Krauth Joachim MPRO DEU (Germany) 32 Rocheteau Yann MPRO FRA (France) 33 Norberg Sebastian MPRO SWE (Sweden) 34 Neef Sebastian MPRO DEU (Germany) 35 Magnien Dylan MPRO FRA (France) 36 Björkqvist Morgan MPRO SWE (Sweden) 37 Castellà Serra Vicenç MPRO ESP (Spain) 38 Řenč Tomáš MPRO CZE (Czech Republic) 39 Benedikt Stephen MPRO AUT (Austria) 40 Ceccarelli Mattia MPRO ITA (Italy) 41 Günther Fabian MPRO DEU (Germany) 42 Najmowicz Sebastian MPRO POL (Poland) If your club is not listed, please log into your IRONMAN Account (www.ironman.com/login) and connect your IRONMAN Athlete Profile with your club.
    [Show full text]
  • Michael Praetorius's Theology of Music in Syntagma Musicum I (1615): a Politically and Confessionally Motivated Defense of Instruments in the Lutheran Liturgy
    MICHAEL PRAETORIUS'S THEOLOGY OF MUSIC IN SYNTAGMA MUSICUM I (1615): A POLITICALLY AND CONFESSIONALLY MOTIVATED DEFENSE OF INSTRUMENTS IN THE LUTHERAN LITURGY Zachary Alley A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate College of Bowling Green State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF MUSIC August 2014 Committee: Arne Spohr, Advisor Mary Natvig ii ABSTRACT Arne Spohr, Advisor The use of instruments in the liturgy was a controversial issue in the early church and remained at the center of debate during the Reformation. Michael Praetorius (1571-1621), a Lutheran composer under the employment of Duke Heinrich Julius of Braunschweig-Lüneburg, made the most significant contribution to this perpetual debate in publishing Syntagma musicum I—more substantial than any Protestant theologian including Martin Luther. Praetorius's theological discussion is based on scripture, the discourse of early church fathers, and Lutheran theology in defending the liturgy, especially the use of instruments in Syntagma musicum I. In light of the political and religious instability throughout Europe it is clear that Syntagma musicum I was also a response—or even a potential solution—to political circumstances, both locally and in the Holy Roman Empire. In the context of the strengthening counter-reformed Catholic Church in the late sixteenth century, Lutheran territories sought support from Reformed church territories (i.e., Calvinists). This led some Lutheran princes to gradually grow more sympathetic to Calvinism or, in some cases, officially shift confessional systems. In Syntagma musicum I Praetorius called on Lutheran leaders—prince-bishops named in the dedication by territory— specifically several North German territories including Brandenburg and the home of his employer in Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, to maintain Luther's reforms and defend the church they were entrusted to protect, reminding them that their salvation was at stake.
    [Show full text]
  • Epistle Dedicatory
    EPISTLE DEDICATORY TO THE MOST HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE JAMES BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, There are infinite arguments of this right Christian AND IRELAND and religious affection in Your Majesty; but none is DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &c. more forcible to declare it to others than the ve- hement and perpetuated desire of accomplishing The Translators of the Bible wish Grace, Mercy, and publishing of this work, which now with all and Peace through JESUS CHRIST our Lord humility we present unto Your Majesty. For when Great and manifold were the blessings, most dread Your Highness had once out of deep judgment ap- Sovereign, which Almighty God, the Father of all prehended how convenient it was, that out of the mercies, bestowed upon us the people of England, Original Sacred Tongues, together with comparing when first he sent Your Majesty’s Royal Person to of the labours, both in our own, and other foreign rule and reign over us. For whereas it was the ex- Languages, of many worthy men who went before pectation of many, who wished not well unto our us, there should be one more exact Translation of Sion, that upon the setting of that bright Occidental the holy Scriptures into the English Tongue; Your Star, Queen Elizabeth of most happy memory, some Majesty did never desist to urge and to excite those thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have to whom it was commended, that the work might be overshadowed this Land, that men should have been hastened, and that the business might be expedited in doubt which way they were to walk; and that in so decent a manner, as a matter of such impor- it should hardly be known, who was to direct the tance might justly require.
    [Show full text]
  • Santa Claus from Country to Country
    Santa Claus from Country to Country Lesson topic: Various ways Santa is portrayed in different countries Content Concepts: -Learn about various Santa Claus legends United States, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Netherlands, Spain, Chile. -Social Studies, history, map skills -Reading (list of library books) -Math problems -Science projects -Craft projects -Writing practice -Gaming skills -Music (list of Christmas CD’s) Proficiency levels: Grades 4 - 6 Information, Materials, Resources: Social Studies, History, and Map skills United States: The modern portrayal of Santa Claus frequently depicts him listening to the Christmas wishes of young children. Santa Claus (also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Santy or simply Santa) is a folklore figure in various cultures who distributes gifts to children, normally on Christmas Eve . Each name is a variation of Saint Nicholas , but refers to Santa Claus. In today's North American, European and worldwide celebration of Christmas, people young and old simply refer to the hero of the season as Santa , or Santa Claus. (Wikipedia) Conventionally, Santa Claus is portrayed as a kindly, round-bellied, merry, bespectacled white man in a red coat trimmed with white fur, with a long white beard . On Christmas Eve, he rides in his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer from house to house to give presents to children. To enter the house, Santa Claus comes down the chimney and exits through the fireplace . During the rest of the year he lives together with his wife Mrs. Claus and his elves manufacturing toys . Some modern depictions of Santa (often in advertising and popular entertainment) will show the elves and Santa's workshop as more of a processing and distribution facility, ordering and receiving the toys from various toy manufacturers from across the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Linde, Stig 2010 Församlingen I Granskningssamhället
    Församlingen i granskningssamhället Stig Linde Lund Dissertations in Social Work 39 © Stig Linde Omslag: Jonas Palm Foto: Stig Linde Tryck: Mediatryck, Lunds universitet Utgiven av: Lunds universitet, Socialhögskolan Box 23, 221 00 Lund Telefon: 046-222 00 00 (vxl) www.soch.lu.se ISSN 1650-3872 ISBN 978-91-89604-46-9 2 Förord Avhandlingsarbete är till en inte oväsentlig del ett lagarbete. Därför vill jag rikta mitt varma tack till er som låtit er intervjuas och på andra sätt bidragit till delstudierna, till mina handledare Verner Denvall och Jonas Alwall, till Svenska kyrkans forskningsråd som beviljade medel och anordnade seminarier, till er som på mångahanda sätt har bidragit med de praktiska förut- sättningarna för arbetet, knuffat på och uppmuntrat, läst texter och kommenterat, lämnat synpunkter och förväntat förbättringar – kort sagt, gjort detta projekt möjligt: Erik Blennberger, Niclas Blåder, Jonas Bromander, Jonas Christensen, Ninna Edgardh, Charlotte Engel, Mats J. Hansson, Johan Hvenmark, Martin Linde, Stina Linde, Sven Linde, Birgitta Lounela, Göran Lundstedt, Martha Middlemiss Lé Mon, Tuija Nieminen Kristofersson, Ove Nyman, Lars-Erik Olsson, Lars Svedberg, Lotta Säfström, Johan Söderholm, Kjell Wiklund, och vid Socialhögskolan i Lund: Staffan Blomberg, Yoshiko Boregren Matsui, Bertil Ekenberg, Cecilia Heule, Katarina Hollertz, Torbjörn Hjort, Håkan Johansson, Viktoria Järnegren, Mamfaal Kalley, Flemming Kristensen, Arne Kristiansen, Mats Larsson, Maria Leijman, Claes Levin, Torbjörn Magnusson, Elizabeth Martinell Barfoed, Anna Meeuwisse, Carina Olsson, Kerstin Svensson, Sune Sunesson, Hans Swärd, Maria Söderberg samt övriga deltagare i Socialhögskolans seminariegrupper, samt, sist men inte minst, Elin, Sofia och Elisabeth Linde. Södertälje 31 augusti 2010 Stig Linde 3 4 Innehållsförteckning TABELL- OCH FIGURFÖRTECKNING..............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Gospel 'Rumpet Full Salvation Unity and Truth
    · the GOSPEL 'RUMPET FULL SALVATION UNITY AND TRUTH ANDERSON, INDIANA, U. S. A .. SEPTEMBER 15, 1921 Ii FIELD OF' BOAZ, NEAR BETHLEHEM Labor-saving machines were little known in the days of Boaz. The grain was reaped with sickles, or pulled u!p' by tIle roots. It was then gathered in handfuls and bound illlto sheaves, after which carts, usually, conveyed it to bamns OIl thre.shing-ftoors. Crude instruments were 'I.lsed in thresl1ing and winnowing the grain. It was· in the field of Boaz that Ruth gleaned after the re!apers. G 0 S PEL T R U· M PET COM P .A NY J ~~------------:------------------.----------,;) N. H. BYRUM. sac. & TRII:Aa, A. 1.... BYERS, V. PRES. J. T. WILSON, PRES. & GEN. MGR. GOSPEL TRUMPET COMPANY PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS BIBLICAL LITERATURE ANDERSON. INDIANA Sept. 15, 1921 To the Church: The general' conviction is that the church must move f'orward on all lines more aggressively than ever before. The fires of evangelistic fervor must be 'rebuilt in many a locality. Where the . brethren have become indifferent and are doing little to convert their neighbors, a new spirit of revivalism, born of' love, born of' the Holy Spirit, must be begotten in them. We who have 'received such notable blessings from God can not simply sit down and let a world gO,to destruction. 0 my God, re­ buke the awful spirit of lukewarmness wherever it exists, rebuke and chasten thy people, 0 Lord, for lack of soul-saving love in what­ ever degree it exists! Stir hearts, revive the, lingering love, pour out a spirit of prayer and mighty soul travail upon us! Leave none of us out, 0 God, but upon every minister, every pastor, every evangelist, every Sunday~school worker, every deacon, yea, upon everyone of thy little ones throughout America, and in all the world, pour out a mighty spirit of evangelistic zeal.
    [Show full text]
  • 10A-Assembly Report-2003-En-Low
    For the Healing of the World Official Report The Lutheran World Federation Tenth Assembly Winnipeg, Canada, 21–31 July 2003 Parallel edition in German, French and Spanish: Zur Heilung der Welt – Offizieller Bericht Pour guérir le monde – Rapport officiel Para la Sanación del Mundo – Informe Official Published by The Lutheran World Federation Office for Communication Services P.O Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland Editing, translation, revision, cover design and layout by LWF staff. Other translation, revision by Elaine Griffiths, Dagmar Otzinger, Margaret Pater Logo design by Erik Norbraten Additional copies available at cost from and Richard Nostbakken, Canada. The Lutheran World Federation All photos © LWF/D. Zimmermann Office for Communication Services unless otherwise indicated P.O Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2 © 2004 The Lutheran World Federation Switzerland Printed by SRO-Kundig, Geneva e-mail [email protected] phone +41 22 791 6370 ISBN 3-905676-34-6 Official Report LWF Tenth Assembly Winnipeg, Canada, 21–31 July 2003 For the Healing of the World 2 The Lutheran World Federation Contents Foreword .........................................................................................7 The LWF from Hong Kong to Winnipeg........................................ 11 Address of the President ............................................................................... 11 Address of the General Secretary ................................................................ 25 Report of the Treasurer ...............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Give Us Today Our Daily Bread Official Report
    LWF EleVENTH ASSEMBLY Stuttgart, Germany, 20–27 July 2010 Give Us Today Our Daily Bread Official Report The Lutheran World Federation – A Communion of Churches Give Us Today Our Daily Bread Official Report THE LUTHERAN WORLD FEDERATION – A COMMUNION OF CHURCHES Published by The Lutheran World Federation Office for Communication Services P.O. Box 2100 CH-1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.lutheranworld.org Parallel editions in German, French and Spanish Unser tägliches Brot gib uns heute! – Offizieller Bericht Donne-nous aujourd’hui notre pain quotidien – Rapport officiel Danos Hoy Nuestro Pan de Cada Día – Informe Oficial Editing, translation, revision, cover design and layout by LWF Office for Communication Services Other translation, revision by Elaine Griffiths, Miriam Reidy-Prost and Elizabeth Visinand Logo design by Leonhardt & Kern Agency, Ludwigsburg, Germany All Photos © LWF/Erick Coll unless otherwise indicated © 2010 The Lutheran World Federation Printed in Switzerland by SRO-Kundig on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) ISBN 978-2-940459-08-7 Contents Foreword .......................................................................................7 Address of the LWF President .......................................................9 Address of the General Secretary ...............................................19 Report of the Treasurer ..............................................................29 Letter to the Member Churches .................................................39
    [Show full text]
  • “God Is Weak” a Relation Between Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Luther's
    Council of Lutheran Churches: Reformation 500 God is Weak: A Relation Between Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Reflections in Prison and Martin Luther’s Theology of the Cross Martin Lind “God is weak and powerless in the world, and that is exactly the way, the only way, in which he can be with us and help us.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 16 July 1944, in a letter to Eberhard Bethge. The 38-year-old theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was isolated in the military section of Tegel Prison in Berlin, for the first 18 months of his confinement, from 5 April 1943 until 8 October 1944. He made many good friends with the warders and prison hospital orderlies, such that he was allowed to enter into extensive uncensored correspondence, partly by letter, partly by scraps of paper, with those on the outside. This correspondence was mainly addressed to his friend, Eberhard Bethge, whom he had first met as his student at the pastoral seminar in Finkenwalde in 1935. Bonhoeffer and Bethge developed a deep friendship. There has been speculation of the nature of their relationship. They went on several journeys together, often sharing a bedroom, in Berlin and elsewhere. They had both failed to find a woman in their lives. This might have been one of the reasons for their burgeoning friendship, the joint disappointment of having not succeeded in finding a woman to share their lives. Bonhoeffer bequeathed more or less all his belongings to Bethge in spite of being engaged to the young woman Maria von Wedemeyer. Were they a homosexual couple? Many years later when questioned, Bethge answered that they both were pretty straight, though, with the language used nowadays, he said, one might call their friendship homoerotic.
    [Show full text]
  • Local Judges Opposie Regional Court Idea
    Cloudy, Warm THEMLY Ctondy warm witt late show- era today. Cooler tonigit. Sun- } Red Bank, Freehold f FINAL ny, pleasant tomorrow and Long Branch / Thursday. EDITION Monmouth County's Home Newspaper for 92 Years VOL 93 NO. 239 RED BANK, N.J., TUESDAY, JUNE 8,1971 TENCEWflJ A Vietnam Veteran: He's Not Bitter ByMABYBETHAlLEN Braille. he estimates that maybe eight were still against the Ger- skin of his teeth" from Mid- (Second of a series) Through operations to re- will ever, further their educa- mans and. the Japanese, and "dletowrr Township High tion or return to normalcy. he remembers being insulted LEONABDO-"Ican'tfeei move shrapnel and cataracts, School in 1966 and was "a big partial vision has been re- The .gripes, he says, come when he would go out in the surfing fanatic." He swam at mainly from patients in Army street. "I knew it might happen. .stored. Loss of his bands, he Edgewater Beach Club, Sea hospitals because "half of Fd worked .with explosives. I accepts without bitterness. "It got to the point," he Bright, and worked as a bus- them were drafted and didn't knew the chances of getting And he considers himself says, "where all I did was boy for Bahr's Restaurant, want to go in the first place." shot or blown up. There's not more fortunate than some of fight every day. So I blocked Highlands, because the hours "I've tried to sit down and much I could say about I'm the men whom he has seen in the German language out of fit his surfing schedule.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Mercersburg Review•
    THE NEW MERCERSBURG REVIEW• Journal of the Mercersburg Society , Lyle D. Bienna ...... • Ursinus, The Heidelberg Catechism and The Augsburg Confession Gabriel Fackre & Joseph Hedden ..... The "Open Table" in Mercersburg Perspective: A Debate Between Friends w. SCOlt Axford ... , Apostolic, Organic and Divided: Mercersberg Then and Faith & Order Now F. Christopher Anderson .... A Review of Lee Barrett's "The Heidelberg Catechism: A New Translation for the 21 st Century." Philip Schan ISSN: 0II9~ 7460 JUL I ·1 2008 Biannual Journal oftb. From Ih e Editor MERCERSBURG SOCIETY Th. e first essay is written.. by Lyle D Bi......... ~ .", a , PrOlessoro < f Syst~ma ll c Theology. al CalvlO Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI. He represents t~e Refonned perspective on what has The New Mercersburg Review 38 become the standard cotedusm for both the Dutch Refonncd and ~ he Gennan Refonned denominations. His essay brings to light the CODtrtbullll1 edtton mfluence Melan• ehton had in the histor"\!• J that 1<;u-..1 up to th e creatIOn. of the catcchlsn:'. He argues that certain parts of the catechism that F 0ris ,\lldel'JOll. vee NormtD KlMfit\d, RCA (Assi!lant Editor) have been conSidered to be Refonned actually come from JobII Miller, vee Melanchton and therefore can be cons idered Lutheran! H· historical study helps many of us understand why the cat LiDcIeD DeDic, RCA 1 I ·· d ec1\.lsm .ls Debonb Rabn C\noOns. uee arge y I. rcm~ a~ ~on-spccu la ti ve in its tone. Bienna concludes his Qlbriel FaeJac, vee work wllh thiS inSight on the catechism: ··Ifon e insists on /Ising John S, PJyM.
    [Show full text]