RoNEL: Reflecting on the episcopal ministry

“Despite the increasing tendencies towards secularization, churches and their leaders are expected to find and say words in special situations that a society cannot say to itself,” July noted. As an example, he recalled his pastoral actions in the wake of a school shooting in which 15 pupils were killed. “Public proclamation and pastoral care go beyond the local congregation,” he said. 

“I always recommend that sisters and brothers in the episcopate seek out good, expert advisors so that they can develop their knowledge and positions more precisely in a trusting exchange,” July said, considering numerous areas of responsibility, diverse audiences, and complex societal issues to be addressed. Also, communication – speaking to and listening to different parties – was a crucial factor in all work areas. 

July said that engaging in dialogue played an important role in many respects, including with ecumenical partners and negotiations in the political sphere, but particularly in the office of unity.  

Unity within a church was “not about the lowest common denominator” but “about the truth of the gospel in the redemptive justification through Jesus Christ and the consequences of this for our lives and life together,” July said.  

“The ministry of unity is a great challenge,” he noted. Remaining in the unity of the one church despite different interpretations and perspectives on Scripture and finding the boundaries was not easy.  

Also, July said that the search for the greater unity of the church of Jesus Christ posed challenges. “Particularly in ecumenical dialogue, we are called upon to, on the one hand, not conceal our theological insight and positioning, indeed, to name them clearly, but at the same time be prepared to engage in new experiences and insights.” 

The ministry of unity “involves a lot of time, dialogue, theological research and prayer,” July concluded. 

Contextual and overarching challenges 

The discussion among the newly elected church leaders echoed many of July’s points and introduced new contextual perspectives from participants. 

Many churches compete against Pentecostal movements or other religions; many face misleading theologies, while others are small minorities. Conducting ecumenical dialogues under such circumstances proved difficult. 

Some of the heads of churches shared that they had the encouraging experience that “being there” where people face crises had a strong impact even though they felt quite powerless in such situations themselves. The fact that the people were seen, and their situation acknowledged, helped them cope better. 

At the personal level, several participants spoke of the support and strength their families gave them. At the same time, many found very little time to spend with the people closest to them due to their manifold responsibilities. 

Taking time away from their church and day-to-day responsibilities during RoNEL to reflect on these challenges among fellow leaders proved very valuable. Times of prayer and communion with others played an important part during the days in Wittenberg. 

The program also included Sunday service at the Castle Church, where Martin Luther had initiated the Reformation by posting his 95 theses more than 500 years ago.