How about a tale of unity forged from division? We are standing before the Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine. It is often shortened to UEPAL. This building represents more than just a religious institution. It embodies a story of reconciliation and cooperation.
UEPAL is the main Protestant church in the Alsace-Moselle region. This area operates under a concordat system. Think of it as a special agreement between church and state. The Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine came into being in 2006. It was formed from two distinct churches. These were the Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession of Alsace and Lorraine. Also, the Protestant Reformed Church of Alsace and Lorraine.
To understand UEPAL we must journey back in time. The Reformation’s ideas found fertile ground here in Alsace-Moselle. As early as 1521, Luther’s theses were debated in Strasbourg’s Cathedral Church. Strasbourg became a hub for the Reformation thanks to Martin Bucer. Most Protestants in Strasbourg followed Luther. Jean Calvin established the first Reformed congregation. However, it remained a smaller group. Other cities like Metz and Mulhouse embraced the Reformed tradition. This history of theological differences led to the two separate churches. They were the EPCAAL which was Lutheran and the EPRAL which was Reformed.
The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 had a lasting impact. It guaranteed religious freedom in Alsace. The Edict of Nantes was revoked in France in 1685. However, it did not apply here due to the treaty. In 1905, Alsace-Moselle was under German rule. So, the separation of church and state in France did not affect this region. Pastors, like priests and rabbis, are paid by the state here. Religious instruction is still part of the school curriculum.
In essence, Alsace-Moselle remained outside key moments in French Protestant history. The Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine serves as a bridge. It connects Protestant minorities in southern Europe. It also links to the Protestant majority churches in the north.
Despite their differences the Lutheran and Reformed churches shared similar challenges. Attempts to unite them occurred as early as the Consulate. Again in 1848, efforts were made. But internal resistance and political reluctance always led to failure.
After World War II the ECAAL and ERAL began working together pragmatically. They created joint commissions and services. They also established a common council and assembly. In 1973 they signed the Leuenberg Concord. This recognized their full communion. This paved the way for closer cooperation. Finally, in 2006 the Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine was created. It was formed by decree. The EPCAAL became the Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession. The EPRAL became the Protestant Reformed Church.
The Union’s goal is to promote joint actions. It also strengthens ties between the churches. Pastoral staff and finances are now unified. However, each member church retains its own structure.
Today, the Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine is led by an assembly. There is also a plenary council and a restricted council. These bodies include leaders from both the EPCAAL and EPRAL. As of recently, Isabelle Gerber serves as the president.
In 2010, the financial bodies of the EPCAAL and EPRAL merged. They now operate under a local law association. It is called Entraide et Solidarité Protestantes.
The Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine is a member of various organizations. These include the Protestant Federation of France. It is also part of the Lutheran World Federation. Finally, it is a member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Standing here, we witness a living testament to the power of unity. The Union des Églises Protestantes d’Alsace et de Lorraine shows how different traditions. These can come together for a common purpose. It is a story of faith, perseverance and the enduring quest for harmony.