New Apostolic Church Leader Peter Kuhlen Excommunicated After Succession Dispute

District Apostle Peter Kuhlen was designated as the successor to Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff in 1948. This decision was made after the Apostle’s College voted on 21 May 1948 in Frankfurt by secret ballot, with the overseas Apostles also giving their consent. Bischoff announced Kuhlen’s appointment during a service in Bielefeld, Germany, stating that Kuhlen would serve as his deputy until his passing, at which point Kuhlen would assume leadership.

Two years later, Kuhlen resigned from his role as Chief Apostle Helper. From 25 November 1950, he was exclusively active as a District Apostle in the Rhineland area. In 1955, he was dismissed from office and expelled from the New Apostolic Church. This action followed differing opinions regarding the message, specifically the proclamation by Chief Apostle Bischoff that the return of Christ would occur during his lifetime. Kuhlen, along with two other excommunicated Apostles, founded the Apostolische Gemeinschaft (Apostolic Community) in Germany.

The events surrounding Kuhlen’s expulsion and the formation of the Apostolic Community highlight internal tensions within the New Apostolic Church. These tensions involved differing interpretations of doctrine and leadership. The struggle for interpretive predominance led to exaggerations and growing disparities within the church.

The story of Kuhlen’s leadership and subsequent expulsion also reveals the human cost of division. Fissures developed that tore families and congregations apart. Controversial statements and defamation on both sides have deepened the rifts between the New Apostolic Church and the Apostolic Community.

Despite the divisions, there are stories of reconciliation and outreach. Individuals reached across divides, and friendships endured despite the spirit of division. These accounts reflect the potential for healing and unity, even in the face of significant conflict.

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