Doesn’t the phrase “reconciled ecumenical difference” pique your interest? This phrase is central to understanding St. Clemens. It is a Catholic church with unique features. St. Clemens is not just a place of worship. It embodies a spirit of unity.
St. Clemens is part of the Ecumenical Center in Nuremberg-Thon. The parish includes St. Hedwig and St. Thomas. The Ecumenical Center’s construction began in 1984. It serves as the pastoral center of Thon. The center is divided into Protestant and Catholic sections. The Protestant side houses the parish office, community hall, and apartments. The Catholic side includes St. Clemens Church. It also has community rooms and a parish office.
The shared courtyard is the heart of the Ecumenical Center. It symbolizes reconciled ecumenical difference. The founding document states God brings peace between extremes like fire and water. This concept is visually represented. The fire pit ignites both communities’ Easter candles. It symbolizes the resurrected Jesus. Water is drawn from the well. It recalls liberation from Egypt and baptism.
As a relatively new building, St. Clemens Church holds interesting features. The altar and ambo are combined into one large form. This reflects the Second Vatican Council. It emphasizes the equal importance of Word and Eucharist. This design also acknowledges the Protestant tradition. Martin Luther recognized the significance of God’s Word. The unified altar and ambo create a focal point.
The altar block is made of shell limestone. Stefan Schilling designed the metal parts. To the sides of the altar, you’ll find the tabernacle and book stele. The tabernacle stores consecrated hosts. The stele holds the Book of Gospels. Members of St. Clemens wrote the Gospels in their own handwriting. The book is used in every Sunday service.
The baptismal font connects to the Paschal candle. The candle displays a theological program. It represents the seven days of creation. Six fields depict these days. A seventh field shows the Easter candle. The candle symbolizes hope for a new world.
The processional cross mirrors the apse cross. The bronze figure of Christ hangs within a metal grid. Andrea Legde designed this. The towering cross on the church’s roof echoes the altar cross. It lacks a figure of Christ. The cross sits atop a stylized ship. This symbolizes ecumenism.
A monk from Mount Athos painted the icon of Mary. It shows Mary as “Amolynthos” or Immaculate. It also depicts the Passion of Christ. Unlike other icons, Jesus is shown as an adult. He anticipates his suffering. Angels carry the instruments of the Passion. Jesus trembles. The missing right shoe represents his shock. The icon reveals Jesus as Messiah. It also shows Mary as the Mother of God.
Stefan Schilling designed the icon’s frame. Six medallions decorate it. They reference Judaism, Jesus Christ, Mary, and ecumenism. The windows were designed by Herbert Bessel. He used glass to create a soft light. Blue light with red lines shines in the altar area.
The empty wall behind the altar is deliberate. It reflects the commandment against graven images. Instead, people are created in God’s image. Jesus Christ embodies God. The empty wall allows the congregation to see themselves as God’s image. The processional cross provides a clear image of Christ.
The empty wall also allows for temporary art installations. St. Clemens blends tradition. It also embraces modern expression. As you leave St. Clemens, consider its message. The church stands for unity. It also represents a commitment to faith.