Perhaps surprisingly, the story of the Evangelische Gemeinschaft in Berlin is intertwined with a history of reunification. This reunification is not just of a city, but also of church bodies. The Evangelische Gemeinschaft stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Protestant churches in Germany.
The Evangelische Gemeinschaft that we see today is a result of a merger in 2004. It was when the Evangelical Church of the Silesian Upper Lusatia joined with the Evangelical Church in Berlin-Brandenburg. To fully appreciate this union, we must delve into their separate pasts.
After World War II, the integrated Evangelical Church of the old-Prussian Union faced transformation. Its ecclesiastical provinces became independent church bodies in 1947. The March of Brandenburg ecclesiastical province became the Evangelical Church in Berlin-Brandenburg. After 1945, the church covered only the territory still in Germany.
A unique situation arose from 1972. The church body ran double administrative structures in West Berlin and East Berlin. This division was due to the communist government of East Germany. They restricted travel between East and West for church officials. Only in 1991, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, did the two church bodies reunite.
Meanwhile, the Silesian ecclesiastical province faced its own challenges. In 1946, Poland deported Ernst Hornig. He was the head of the province, from Wrocław beyond the Lusatian Neisse. He then took his new seat in the German part of Görlitz. In 1947, the Polish government expelled the remaining members of the Silesian consistory. Görlitz became the seat of the remaining territorial part of the Silesian ecclesiastical province. It then became the independent Evangelical Church of Silesia on May 1, 1947.
Adding to the difficulties, all church property east of the Oder-Neisse Line was expropriated without compensation. Most church buildings were taken over by the Roman Catholic Church in Poland.
In 1968, East Germany stripped church bodies of their status as statutory bodies. They abolished the church tax. This action, coupled with ongoing discrimination, severely impacted the financial stability of churches in the East. The Evangelical Church of Silesia was forced to remove “Silesia” from its name. It became the Evangelical Church of the Görlitz Ecclesiastical Region.
With the end of the East German dictatorship in 1989, changes occurred. In 1992, the Evangelical Church of the Görlitz Ecclesiastical Region adopted the name Evangelical Church of Silesian Upper Lusatia.
Facing declining membership and financial constraints, the Evangelical Church of the Silesian Upper Lusatia merged with the Evangelical Church in Berlin-Brandenburg in 2004. This merger formed the present-day Evangelische Gemeinschaft. This union reflects a commitment to adapting to changing times.
The Evangelische Gemeinschaft allows the ordination of women. In June 2017, it voted to allow same-sex marriages in its churches. This shows a progressive stance on social issues.
Over the years, the Evangelische Gemeinschaft has been led by many dedicated individuals. These leaders shaped its identity and mission. Since the merger in 2004, Wolfgang Huber, Markus Dröge, and Christian Stäblein have served as bishops.
The synod is the church’s governing body. The synod is elected for six-year terms. It meets annually in Berlin. The leader of the synod is called “Präses.”
The Evangelische Gemeinschaft in Berlin embodies a story of resilience, adaptation, and unity. From its roots in divided provinces to its present-day form, it remains a vital part of Berlin’s religious landscape. It stands as a symbol of faith. It is a symbol of community in an ever-changing world.