FROM THE ECUMENICAL OFFICER - FEBRUARY 2022
The Moravian Church as a denomination has discussions with other denominations. The purposes are to better understand one another, to make working together easier, to make sharing of clergy and resources easier, and, perhaps most important, remind us that we are basically one church as disciples of Jesus. We have had dialogues with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA); we relate to other Christian groups through state councils of churches, local councils of church, and local clergy groups.
But far more important is what is going on the local congregations. I live in the Western District of the Northern Province. In Minnesota and North Dakota together, there are ten Moravian congregations. In 2021, almost all of these were served either by a pastor from another denomination or by a Moravian pastor who has also served in another denomination. Several congregations have as members active or retired clergy from other denominations. The same is probably true in other areas of the province.
In Madison, Wisconsin, Moravians and Lutherans share a building and community ministry. In Milwaukee, the Moravian Tricklebee Café ministry has close relations with Moravian and Lutheran congregations.
Often we Moravians are guilty of dwelling on our past and our traditions. My conversation with one of our neighbors and his parents revealed that his father uses the Daily Texts, an important part of our Moravian tradition. But working ecumenically is also a central part of our tradition.
So, to be good Moravians, one of our tasks is to look for places where we can work with other Christians in serving our community, in ministries already established or in relation to needs that are not being served. We may see places where Jesus can use us and others, serving together.
Lord Jesus, you have called us to be your disciples both as individuals and as communities. Help us to see the places and ways where we, as individuals and as congregations of the Moravian Church, can work as your people. Amen.
- Hermann Weinlick, Ecumenical Officer
Moravian Church, Northern Province
But far more important is what is going on the local congregations. I live in the Western District of the Northern Province. In Minnesota and North Dakota together, there are ten Moravian congregations. In 2021, almost all of these were served either by a pastor from another denomination or by a Moravian pastor who has also served in another denomination. Several congregations have as members active or retired clergy from other denominations. The same is probably true in other areas of the province.
In Madison, Wisconsin, Moravians and Lutherans share a building and community ministry. In Milwaukee, the Moravian Tricklebee Café ministry has close relations with Moravian and Lutheran congregations.
Often we Moravians are guilty of dwelling on our past and our traditions. My conversation with one of our neighbors and his parents revealed that his father uses the Daily Texts, an important part of our Moravian tradition. But working ecumenically is also a central part of our tradition.
So, to be good Moravians, one of our tasks is to look for places where we can work with other Christians in serving our community, in ministries already established or in relation to needs that are not being served. We may see places where Jesus can use us and others, serving together.
Lord Jesus, you have called us to be your disciples both as individuals and as communities. Help us to see the places and ways where we, as individuals and as congregations of the Moravian Church, can work as your people. Amen.
- Hermann Weinlick, Ecumenical Officer
Moravian Church, Northern Province