Evangelische Landeskirchen Cooperate in Christian-Islamic Dialogue
Eißler to Represent Joint Church and Islam Office
STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Württemberg and Baden are consolidating their dialog efforts with muslim communities.Friedmann Eißler, previously the Islam representative for the Evangelical State church in Württemberg, assumed responsibilities for the regional church in baden on May 1.
Eißler succeeds Elisabeth Hartlieb, who served as a state church officer for Christian-Islamic dialogue since May 2017, also handling flight and migration issues. Hartlieb is retiring. This move strengthens the collaboration between the two regional churches in interreligious dialogue. Jochen Maurer has been the representative for both churches in the joint specialist office for Christian-Jewish conversation since last year.
The appointment of Eißler as the first common representative for the “Church and Islam” department reflects the deepening cooperation between the two regional churches. Eißler’s existing relationships with Muslim contacts in Baden are expected to facilitate the transition. Eißler and Hartlieb recently attended Ramadan receptions together.
Eißler, who studied Evangelical Theology, Linguistics, and Islamic Studies in Tübingen and Jerusalem, expressed enthusiasm for his new role. “I am looking forward to the people and the communities in baden with whom I want to make my way together,” he said. “In a pluralistic society, maintaining relationships with members of other religions is crucial. This frequently enough happens through dedicated volunteer work, for which I am very grateful.”
Eißler added, “The social climate has shifted, making it even more critically important to strengthen and deepen dialogue to foster sustainable relationships. This includes addressing anti-Islamic sentiments, countering Islamist propaganda, and confronting anti-Semitic statements.”
Hartlieb reflected on her eight years of service, stating, “This work is indispensable for a future-proof church. Hospitality and welcoming strangers, speaking their language, acknowledging their origins, celebrating and working together – these actions allow us to grow in faith and love, both as individuals and as a church.”
Further data is available on the joint specialist agencies’ website: https://www.elkbw-cjm.de/.
Eißler Takes Helm: Representing Church and Islam Dialog
What is teh focus of the recent changes within the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Württemberg and Baden?
The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Württemberg and Baden are consolidating their dialogue efforts with Muslim communities. This consolidation involves a new representative, Friedmann Eißler, who will oversee these efforts.
who is Friedmann Eißler, and what is his new role?
Friedmann Eißler is the new representative for the “church and islam” department, succeeding Elisabeth Hartlieb.previously he was the Islam representative for the Evangelical State church in Württemberg. He now holds responsibilities for the regional church in Baden.
Why is this consolidation critically important?
This move signals a deepening cooperation between the two regional churches in their interreligious dialogue. It marks a step towards a unified approach to engaging with the Muslim community. Jochen Maurer has been the representative for both churches in the joint specialist office for Christian-Jewish conversation as last year.
Who did Friedmann Eißler succeed in this role?
Friedmann Eißler succeeded elisabeth Hartlieb, who served as a state church officer for Christian-Islamic dialogue since may 2017. Hartlieb is now retiring.
What were Elisabeth Hartlieb’s responsibilities?
Besides being in charge of Christian-Islamic dialogue, Elisabeth Hartlieb also handled flight and migration issues.
What is Friedmann Eißler’s background?
Friedmann Eißler studied Evangelical Theology, Linguistics, and Islamic studies in Tübingen and Jerusalem.
What are eißler’s goals in his new position?
Friedmann Eißler expressed enthusiasm for his new role and looks forward to working with the people and communities in Baden.He emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships with members of other religions in a pluralistic society. He also states the importance of strengthening dialogue in the current social climate, including addressing anti-Islamic sentiments, countering Islamist propaganda, and confronting anti-Semitic statements.
What specific actions have Eißler and hartlieb taken together?
Eißler and Hartlieb recently attended Ramadan receptions together, demonstrating their commitment to fostering positive relationships.
How does Hartlieb view the work of Christian-Islamic dialogue?
Reflecting on her eight years of service, Hartlieb stated that this work is indispensable for a future-proof church. She sees actions such as hospitality, welcoming strangers, and working together as crucial for growth in faith and love.
What are the key takeaways from these appointments?
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Consolidation of Efforts: The Evangelical Lutheran Churches are unifying their dialogue efforts.
New Leadership: Friedmann Eißler takes over the role of representative.
Deepening Cooperation: This reflects stronger collaboration between regional churches.
Focus on Dialogue: Priorities include addressing anti-Islamic sentiments and fostering sustainable relationships.
Where can I find more details about these initiatives?
Further data is available on the joint specialist agencies’ website: https://www.elkbw-cjm.de/.
Summary of Key Figures and Roles
Here is a table which summarizes the key people and their roles:
| Individual | Role | Key Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Friedmann Eißler | Representative, “Church and Islam” department | Overseeing dialogue efforts with Muslim communities in Baden; strengthening relationships. |
| Elisabeth Hartlieb | Former State Church Officer | Christian-Islamic dialogue, flight and migration issues (retired). |
| Jochen Maurer | Representative | Christian-Jewish conversation. |