Anglican-Lutheran
Society
Annual General Meeting
9 March 2002
The Finnish
Church, London
Since the 2001 Annual General Meeting of the society, the committee’s time has been dominated by preparations for the Conference, which was held on 14-17 September in Ratzeburg, Germany. About 50 participants from four countries heard excellent presentations and engaged in productive sessions on the theme: Worship-Music-Liturgy: Facing new challenges. The committee invested much time and effort in organising and running the conference and we were all gratified by the many positive comments from those who attended. There were so many good experiences during the conference that it is hard to suggest highlights. Certainly one was the Sunday in Lübeck, where we worshipped in the cathedral and were greeted by the Bishop of Lübeck.
There can be little doubt about the biggest disappointment. All were saddened and troubled by the terrible events of 11 September in the USA, which prevented North Americans from attending. Though they could not be there in person, the thoughts and prayers of the whole conference were always with them.
During the conference, participants thanked Arndt-Bernhard Müller, who retired as the German national correspondent after serving for some years. At the same time, the new national correspondent was welcomed, the Very Revd Holger Harrack, who lives in Wilhelmshaven.
The committee decided that the next international conference will be held in Liverpool, 12-15 September 2003. Themes under consideration include the urban situation and the re-evangelisation of Europe. Any suggestions from members will be welcome.
There will, however, also be a conference in 2002, organised by the North American branch of the society. It will be held on 20-23 September in Waltham, Massachusetts, and will consider the power of bishops. Five impressive speakers will lead sessions. Further details are available from Ron Englund.
On 11 October members of the committee and other members of the society met Dr Christian Krause, Bishop of Braunschweig and President of the Lutheran World Federation. This was an excellent opportunity to talk informally with one of our patrons about the work of the society. Bishop Krause was in London at the invitation of the society’s other patron, the Archbishop of Canterbury. A meeting at Lambeth Palace the next day included a review of Anglican-Lutheran relations throughout the world and considered how relationships and co-operation could be developed.
Any review of the year must make mention of the crucial role played by the society’s newsletter, The Window. It not only keeps us informed about Anglican-Lutheran developments, both at the grass roots and at the official level, but also inspires us to pray and work for the unity of the church of Christ. Many thanks to all involved in the production of The Window, particularly Ron Englund, whose commitment and energy are unstinting.
Tom Bruch and Rupert Hoare