Episcopal Church Engages in Ecumenical Dialogue with German Churches

The Rev. Kirsten Guidero, The Episcopal Church’s ecumenical and interreligious relations officer, participated in a meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, with leaders of the Council of Christian Churches in Germany. The gathering took place at the Ecumenical Centre, the council’s headquarters, where discussions focused on how The Episcopal Church can enhance ecumenical cooperation in Europe.

Rev. Christopher Easthill, chair of the Council of Christian Churches in Germany, emphasized the value of global church cooperation. “Cooperation between churches around the world enriches our own work in Germany,” he stated. “In particular, The Episcopal Church’s experience with structured ecumenical practice offers valuable inspiration as we continue to strengthen the unity of the churches.”

The Council of Christian Churches in Germany, established in 1948 and reconstituted in 1992 after Germany’s reunification, represents 25 churches and denominations across the country. Its members include the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church in Germany, the Moravian Church, the Syrian and Coptic Orthodox churches, Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, the Council of Anglican Episcopal Churches, and many others. The council is committed to shared witness, justice, peace, and the integrity of creation, and it advocates for the rights of persecuted Christians worldwide.

During the meeting, Guidero expressed interest in the council’s resources for local congregations and ecumenical initiatives. She also endorsed the Charta Oecumenica, a joint document from the Conference of European Churches and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences that outlines guidelines for strengthening ecumenical partnerships in Europe.

Guidero shared information about The Episcopal Church’s ongoing ecumenical dialogues. One notable example is the dialogue with the United Methodist Church, which is progressing toward a vote on full communion at the Episcopal Church’s 82nd General Convention in 2027. The United Methodist Church had already approved full communion with The Episcopal Church at its General Conference in 2024.

The Episcopal Church is currently in full communion with eight other churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Moravian Church (Northern and Southern Provinces), and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar. These relationships reflect a commitment to shared faith and collaborative mission.

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