Apostolische Gemeinde

Hidden within Bonn, on Hugo-Haelschner-Straße, lies the Apostolische Gemeinde. This unassuming building holds a captivating story, a tale of faith, schisms, and reform. The Apostolische Gemeinde traces its origins back to the fervent religious awakenings of the 19th century. These movements, born from a desire for a more spirited and vibrant church, gave rise to various denominations. One such group, centered around Henry Drummond in London, began in 1826. This group, known as the Albury Circle, delved into prophetic interpretations and end-time prophecies. They eventually formed new congregations, later known as the Catholic Apostolic Church. These new congregations appointed apostles and other church officials. In 1837 and 1838, these apostles journeyed across Christian lands, studying the state of the church. They then crafted a liturgy and order of service for their own communities. The Apostolische Gemeinde is linked to this lineage through a series of splits and reforms. A major turning point occurred in 1855 when the original apostles died, leading to a controversial decision not to appoint new ones. This spurred further divisions, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. In Hamburg, the prophet Heinrich Geyer established the “General Christian Apostolic Mission”. This eventually led to the formation of the New Apostolic Church in Germany and the Restored Apostolic Zendingkerk in the Netherlands. The Apostolische Gemeinde emerged from a later split from the New Apostolic Church. In 1954 and 1955, disagreements over a specific doctrine led to the expulsion of several apostles, including Peter Kuhlen, Siegfried Dehmel, and Ernst Dunkmann. These expelled apostles, along with their supporters, founded the Apostolische Gemeinschaft in Düsseldorf on January 24, 1955. The Apostolische Gemeinde in Bonn stands as a testament to this complex history. Today, the Apostolische Gemeinde distinguishes itself from its New Apostolic roots. It considers itself a part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. It recognizes baptisms performed in other churches and its own baptisms are recognized reciprocally. While the Apostolische Gemeinde retains the office of apostle, it does not view it as essential for salvation but rather as a divinely appointed ministry. Significantly, the Apostolische Gemeinde has embraced progressive reforms, including the ordination of women.