Messianic Jewish Congregation Advocates for Maintaining Jewish Identity While Believing in Jesus

Ulrich Laepple, a theologian and pastor from Bremen, emphasized at the “Anti-Semitism today” congress in Schwäbisch Gmünd that Jews who believe in Jesus do not have to abandon their Jewish identity. The event, attended by 200 participants, took place at the Christian Guest Centre “Schönblick.” Laepple highlighted the historical context of Jewish Christians in the 19th and early 20th centuries, noting that while many were baptized, others chose to remain Jews who believed in Jesus. He argued that Jewish identity encompasses both nationality and faith, a perspective that contrasts with the view held by many Orthodox Jews, who consider such individuals as Christians.

Laepple also addressed the historical persecution of Jewish Christians, estimating that approximately 200,000 were among the six million victims of the Shoah. He called for improved relations with contemporary Jewish followers of Jesus, known as Messianic Jews, and criticized the lack of interest from the Church in engaging with them. He expressed concern that their exclusion from events like the German Evangelical Church Day could strain relations with Jewish communities.

Dean Rainer Uhlmann, former chairman of the Gospel Service for Israel (EDI), discussed the long-standing nature of anti-Semitism, describing it as a recurring pattern throughout history. He noted that Jews have often been scapegoated, either for their wealth or poverty, and accused of having undue influence or being self-serving. Uhlmann asserted that “God alone guarantees their existence,” emphasizing the enduring nature of Jewish identity and the challenges faced by the community.

The congress was organized by several groups, including the Association for the Messianic Witness to Israel (amzi), the Christian Media Initiative pro, the Association “Christians at the Side of Israel,” the Gospel Service for Israel (EDI), and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). These organizations, along with 30 cooperation and media partners, including the Evangelical News Agency IDEA, aimed to foster dialogue and address contemporary issues of anti-Semitism.

The event took place amid broader discussions on religious and political issues, including warnings of “flat fire” in Germany and calls for consistent action against settlers in the West Bank. These topics reflect the complex interplay between faith, politics, and social justice in contemporary Christian and Jewish communities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)