Does the search for religious renewal resonate with you? Then you’ve arrived at the Christengemeinschaft in Leipzig. This community offers a unique spiritual path.
The Christengemeinschaft in Leipzig is located at Schenkendorfstrasse 3. It serves as a regional center within the broader Christengemeinschaft movement. You can download their program as a PDF. It is available on their website.
The history of the Christengemeinschaft in Leipzig is rich. First gatherings took place in the Michaeliszeit of 1922. These were led by Adolf Müller and Rudolf Frieling. They met in the homes of the Schilbach and Hering families. Johannes Perthel performed the first Menschenweihehandlung on November 26, 1922. This service was held with 22 community members. It took place in the aula of the Barth’schen Realschule. Rektor Rösel allowed them to use the hall until 1936.
The early years were challenging. The community faced setbacks and the clergy experienced poverty. In 1923, only two people attended the third Christmas service.
In 1924, J. Perthel moved into a house in Holsteinstrasse 11. This allowed the Weihehandlung to be celebrated on weekdays.
J. Perthel became the leader for Thuringia, Saxony, and Silesia in 1926. He then moved to Breslau. Reinhard Wagner and Rudolf Meyer replaced him for two years.
The Christengemeinschaft stepped into the public eye in April 1927. They held a conference called “Zeitgeist und Christengeist.” Dr. Friedrich Rittelmeyer led the conference. It was held in the Grossen Saal of the municipal Kaufhaus. Another public conference followed in March 1933. It took place in the Weissen Saal in the Zoo. The theme was “Christus für die Gegenwart.” Dr. Rittelmeyer again led the event.
In 1941, the Christengemeinschaft in Leipzig faced a major crisis. On June 9, it was banned. Hermann von Skerst, Senta Bode, and other members were arrested. The community was dissolved. Their rooms in Schreberstr were sealed. The altar and sacred objects were confiscated. After seven weeks in prison, some members were drafted into military service.
After the ban, Dr. Köhler celebrated the first Menschenweihehandlung in 1945. Initially, services were held in a small room in Elisabeth Fichtner’s apartment. Memorial services were performed for members who died in the war.
From October 1947, the community used the hall of the inner Mission in the Christian Hospiz. This was made possible by Prof. Dr. theol. Dedo Müller. The youth group performed Christmas plays in the Seeburgstrasse.
In 1981, a significant milestone was reached. On June 28, the foundation stone was laid for the new church in Leipzig. Oberlenker J. Lenz held the celebratory sermon. Erzoberlenker Taco Bay dedicated the new church on the first Advent.
Today, the Christengemeinschaft continues to offer regular services. The list of pastors who have served here is long. It reflects the community’s continuous commitment to religious renewal. Kateryna Gagarina has served since 2021. Kirsten Rennert has served since 2013.
The Christengemeinschaft in Leipzig stands as a testament to faith. It overcame adversity. It provides a place for spiritual exploration and community.