Chief Apostle Mutschler Says Ecumenical Dialogue Should Keep Church’s Own Identity

In the fifth part of an interview published on nac.today, Chief Apostle Helge Mutschler discussed how openness to other churches and firmness in one’s faith can be reconciled, and what role the return of Christ plays in that balance.

Mutschler said that exchange with other churches matters to him for theological reasons rather than strategic ones. He said the New Apostolic Church confesses one Church, and that this one Church is greater than the New Apostolic Church. In his account, the Church of Christ is present wherever duly baptized people confess Jesus Christ as Lord, follow Him and love their neighbor. He said the Church’s Catechism states that the Church of Christ manifests itself more clearly where the apostle ministry works, where the sacraments are dispensed and where the word is preached correctly, and that both elements must remain. Christians who confess one Lord are called to seek visible unity (John 17:21).

Mutschler acknowledged that people view dialogue differently. He said some regard it as natural, while others are more cautious and ask whether they might lose what has been entrusted to them. He said he takes both concerns seriously and does not see the question as a choice between one or the other. He pointed to the Catechism’s formulation that dialogue should be conducted openly, while respecting one’s own identity. He said he does not enter dialogue in order to adapt, but because he has something to listen to and something to say.

On ecumenism, Mutschler said he wants the apostolic voice to be heard, though not loudly or in a didactic manner. He named the return of Christ as the central subject he wishes to contribute. He said the New Apostolic Church speaks about this hope in every Divine Service. He added that he has the impression the theme is no longer discussed as often in many churches, although he described it as occupying a central place in the New Testament and as a feature of every Christian confession of faith. He said he wants to raise it not to give lessons to anyone, but because he believes the hope benefits all Christians, including those who do not currently express it openly.

Asked about his time as District Apostle Assistant, when he was also responsible for Russia and Central Asia, Mutschler said the experience taught him what it means to belong to a minority as a Christian or believer. He said that in many places the largest group is not made up of believers of other confessions or religions, but of people who do not believe at all. In such settings, he said, believers cannot take their faith for granted and must explain it repeatedly, often without being asked. He described this as exhausting, but said he had observed that it does not weaken faith and instead makes it clearer. He added that when faith is taken for granted, it can sometimes be lost.

Mutschler said Germany has also long been a minority environment, not only for the New Apostolic Church but for active Christians in general. He said the situation that his Eastern brothers and sisters have lived with in daily life is becoming a reality in Germany. For him, he said, the point of contact lies less in teachings than in the shared situation of Christians today. He concluded with the question of how faith is kept alive in an environment that no longer asks about it.