Perspectives

One never ceases to be amazed at the scale of the Kirchentag.  For the Orthodox vespers this evening, 1000 tables had been placed in the open air at Odeonsplatz in the centre of Munich.  Each table sat 10 people and they were all full.  I was one of the unlucky many who didn't get a seat which meant that there probably at least 11 or 12,000 people taking part.  The climax of the service was the blessing of the bread and the distribution of it to the tables where it was shared by all along with apples, water and olive oil to dip the bread in.  On each table people then took it in turn to read the text of the feeding of the 5,000 and to share thoughts on it together. This is an old Orthodox tradition which is not sacramental and yet uses much of the symbolism and is a focus of fellowship and hospitality which can be extended to anyone.  In the context of the Kirchentag which continues to struggle with the problem of the lack of intercommunion it has been a powerful new element.  Earl

The Second Ecumenical Kirchentag of the German Churches started on May 12th in Munich.  Somewhere in the region of 100,000 people have descended on the city, mostly around the Trade Centre for three and a half days of meetings, services, debates, concerts, displays and so on.   At its launch on Wednesday evening, it took over the centre of Munich with music, processions and an endless supply of food stands. Three large open air services began the Kirchentag which then led into the more informal 'evening of encounter'. I've been attending Kirchentags since 1973 and have always been impressed by the profile that they have in German society. The media covers them extensively and major politicians, including Angela Merkel, take part.  The theme of this one is 'That they may have hope'.  Usually the Protestants hold theirs one year and the Catholics the next but in 2003 the first joint one was held in Berlin and now this one in Munich.  I missed the session with Hans Kun

Young people at the assembly performing a sketch on inclusivity in the church The federation comprises about 300 churches which did not join the union of the URC in 1972 and have continued in their own federation since then. There are still a number of ways in which we still cooperate including through the Council for World Mission and more recently by joining the Fresh Expressions movement. The assembly felt familiar and yet different. It was short, all contained in one day with only a fraction of the business of a URC General Assembly, and informal in feel. The majority of the agenda was focused on various things that were happening including the CF's support for a Christian Aid project, stories of different congregations' work and the 30th anniversary of their integrated training programme. There were many stories of success and optimism, nothing dramatic but quietly positive. I couldn't help thinking that what seemed like a much less organised structure has much to comm