The Christian Community facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Christian Community |
|
|---|---|
| Die Christengemeinschaft | |
| Classification | Independent Sacramental Movement |
| Theology | Esoteric and Liberal |
| Polity | Congregational |
| Erzoberlenker | João Torunsky |
| Headquarters | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Founder | Friedrich Rittelmeyer |
| Logo |  |
The Christian Community is a Christian church that started in Germany in 1922. It was founded by Lutheran ministers who were inspired by Anthroposophy, a special way of understanding the world. This church focuses on a deeper, more spiritual understanding of Christianity. As of 2023, about 100,000 people are members in over 400 churches around the world.
Contents
History of The Christian Community
How The Christian Community Started
In the early 1900s, some Lutheran pastors in Germany were interested in Anthroposophy. They asked Rudolf Steiner, who developed Anthroposophy, for a new way to worship. These pastors wanted a church service that focused on Jesus Christ in a special way. One of the founders, Friedrich Rittelmeyer, said that Steiner inspired them.
Growth and Challenges
In 1939, Evelyn Capel became the first English woman priest in The Christian Community. She helped lead church services in London. After World War II, she helped restart churches in Germany. She also helped the church grow in South Africa.
During the time of Nazi Germany, The Christian Community was watched by the government. Even though some officials wanted to ban the group, police reports found nothing wrong with their activities. New churches even opened in Cologne and Stuttgart between 1938 and 1939. However, in 1941, the Christian Community was banned. Its leader, Emil Bock, was held for a time.
The first Christian Community church in the United States opened in New York in 1948.
What The Christian Community Believes
Freedom of Thought in Faith
The Christian Community believes in freedom of thought. James B. Robinson, a professor who studies religions, says the church "emphasizes freedom of thought and reflection." This means members can think for themselves within Christian ideas.
Frank Hörtreiter, who works for the church, says they "do not have any beliefs" in the usual sense. He explains that the church uses the New Testament for its services and discussions. But individual members form their own beliefs based on their own experiences.
Role of Priests and Sermons
Priests in The Christian Community are free to lead services as they feel is right. Their sermons are seen as their own thoughts and feelings. They are not strict rules or teachings for everyone in the church.
The Christian Community also practices open communion. This means anyone who wants to take part in the communion service is welcome.
How The Christian Community is Organized
Local Churches and Leadership
The Christian Community has a special way of organizing itself. Each local church, called a congregation, is run by its own members. There are about 200 congregations, and each one manages its own money.
Priests from different countries meet together in groups called synods. These groups choose a leader from among themselves. The global leader of The Christian Community is called the Erzoberlenker. This leader's main office is in Stuttgart, Germany.
Becoming a Priest
People who want to become priests in The Christian Community go to one of its three special schools, called seminaries. They study for six months. After that, they work with an experienced priest in a church. Both men and women can become priests. The Christian Community does not claim to have a direct line of authority from the first apostles.
Connections with Other Groups
The Christian Community is one of several Christian groups whose baptisms are not accepted by the Roman Catholic Church. The Evangelical Church in Germany also does not accept their baptisms, but it still sees them as Christian.
In 1950, a study suggested that The Christian Community should join the World Council of Churches. However, their request was not accepted. The Christian Community itself says it works "without attachment to any existing church or ecumenical movement."
Many members of The Christian Community are also part of the Anthroposophical Society. There are informal connections between the two groups. However, they are separate organizations by law.
Notable People in The Christian Community
- Maria Darmstädter
- Ernst Robert Fiechter
See also
- Gnosticism
- Liberal Catholic Church
