May 10-16 saw massive crowds of Christians from all over Europe attend the 2nd Ecumenical Kirchentag in Munich. The event aimed to draw Catholics and Protestants together to consider how Jesus followers from different backgrounds can successfully lead a Christian life in and for the world in this day and age. The event was characterised by the large proportion of young adults who attended. Tens of thousands alone attended the opening service.
Over the course of the 6 days, more than 3,000 separate events were held which focussed on different key areas relating to faith; such as addressing political questions, environmental issues and Christian unity. Extensive cultural programmes including music concerts and theatrical performances were also held. The overall theme of the Kirchentag was Damit ihr Hoffnung habt (‘So that you may have hope’).
One very popular event was a bible study led by Margot Kässman, the charismatic and immensely popular former Chair of the Council of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland. After only four months in office, she felt compelled to resign – along with her post as Bishop of Hannover – after having driven through a red light when well over the permitted drink-drive limit. This was her first major appearance since her resignation and while she initially looked tense, the massive affection with which she was greeted relaxed her tremendously. Kässman’s return to public ministry has been celebrated by the local media with whom she has gained a massive amount of credibility throughout her long ministry, and particularly since her mistake and resignation, because she dealt with the fallout with such humility, grace and transparency. Kässman’s bible study was followed by huge numbers of TV cameras and press photographers, and she was regularly interrupted by public applause throughout her talk.
Kässmann called for Christians to stop talking endlessly about (and take their focus off) their divisions and offer the world instead images of hope of a future – a bit like planting a tree in a desert, building a house during a war or buying a field when you are about to be thrown out of the country.
Another highlight event was the dialogue between Hans Küng (82) and Jürgen Moltmann (84), two giants of late-20th century German theology. Küng is Catholic while Moltmann is protestant. This event proved so popular that thousands arrived early to ensure a place in the auditorium, and yet still many more were locked out than could get in.
(For more on the 2nd Ecumenical Kirchentag go to http://www.oekt.de/english/home_english.html)