Inaugural Session of the North Elbian Synod Convenes in Travemünde
Travemünde, Germany (March 10, 2023) – The newly elected Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany (Nordkirche) convened this morning for its inaugural session in Travemünde.
The three-day gathering will be formally inaugurated this afternoon with a service at St. Lorenzkirche in Travemünde. According to the church, the 155 synod members will be inducted during the service. Afterwards, Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt will declare the session open.
Agenda Highlights
The most significant agenda item is the election of a speaker for the synod, as well as two deputies. In the evening, Schleswig-Holstein’s Prime Minister, Daniel Günther (CDU), is expected to deliver a welcome address in Travemünde.
Synod Demographics
The Landessynode, elected in late 2024, currently comprises 155 members, of whom 51% are women and 49% are men. One seat is currently vacant.
Synod’s Role and Responsibilities
The Synod is the highest decision-making body of the Nordkirche, responsible for:
- Adopting the church’s constitution and amending it as necessary
- Electing and appointing the bishop and other leading officials
- Approving the church’s budget and financial plans
- Establishing the theological framework and guiding principles for the church’s mission and ministry
Challenges Facing the Church
The Synod will face a number of challenges, including:
- Declining membership and increasing secularization
- The need to address climate change and social justice issues
- The integration of new members from diverse backgrounds
Expectations from the Public
The public is eager to see the Synod take a strong stance on issues of social concern. They expect the church to be a voice for the marginalized and a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.
Call to Unity and Mission
As the Synod embarks on its new term, Bishop Kühnbaum-Schmidt urged members to work together in unity and to focus on the church’s core mission:
"We are called to be a church that proclaims the Gospel, serves its communities, and works tirelessly to bring hope and healing to a world in need."
The Synod’s deliberations will be closely watched by the broader Lutheran community in Germany and around the world. It is a time of both challenge and opportunity for the Nordkirche, and the outcome of its session will shape the future of the church for years to come.
