Can a church be born twice? The Église Protestante Unie de France can tell you such a story. Right here, this church embodies a union, a coming together of two distinct Protestant traditions. The Église Protestante Unie de France emerged in 2013. It was a momentous occasion, a merger of the Reformed Church of France and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of France. This union wasn’t just about merging congregations. It was about weaving together two rich tapestries of faith, each with its own unique history and perspective.
The Reformed Church, with its roots in the 16th-century Reformation, traces its lineage back to figures like John Calvin. It embraced a distinct theology and church governance. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, also born from the Reformation but with its own theological nuances, found a home in France following the annexation of Alsace-Moselle in 1870. Imagine the discussions, the compromises, the shared hopes that must have filled the air as these two denominations contemplated a shared future.
In 2013, at a synod in Lyon, the union became official. The Église Protestante Unie de France was not merely a new name but a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose. The first president of the newly formed church, Pastor Laurent Schlumberger, took the helm, guiding this ship of faith towards uncharted waters. The church adopted a presbyterian-synodal governance, balancing local and national authority. Ministers, whether pastors serving local parishes or specialized ministers like chaplains and theologians, are required to hold a Master’s degree in Theology and undergo a two-year probationary period known as proposanat. Even the act of appointing a minister reflects the spirit of collaboration and shared governance.
The Église Protestante Unie de France, while united, embraces diversity within its ranks. Its theological underpinnings are anchored in the core tenets of Protestantism – grace, faith, and the authority of the Bible. Yet, it acknowledges the rich tapestry of interpretations and expressions of faith that exist within its member churches. This acknowledgment is evident in its recognition of various confessions of faith from both Lutheran and Reformed traditions.
The Église Protestante Unie de France stands as a living example of the ongoing evolution of faith. Its story is one of unity, diversity, and a commitment to living out the Gospel in a complex world. This very building represents not just bricks and mortar, but the hopes and dreams of a united Protestant community. As you leave this place, carry with you a sense of the enduring power of faith, and the capacity of people to come together, even amidst differences, to build something new and vibrant.