The Bishop of London tours Berlin as Diocesan link between London and Berlin strengthens
The Bishop of London,
Sarah Mullally, toured parishes and churches in Berlin this weekend, continuing
the long-standing partnership with the Diocese of Berlin-Brandenburg.
Bishop Sarah began her
trip by visiting the British Embassy, where she was welcomed by the UK’s Deputy Head of Mission to
Germany, Kieran Drake, and joined by
leaders of linked German churches to the Diocese of London. The German leaders spoke
with Bishop Sarah about the important work taking place in parishes across
Berlin to help the most vulnerable in the run up to Christmas, and how to
further strengthen the relationship between the churches of Berlin and London
as they head into 2023.
The Bishop of London
also took time to visit the iconic Berliner Dom. Constructed between 1894 and
1905, the cathedral is the largest Protestant church in Germany, and one of the
most significant dynastic tombs in Europe, with Frederick William I, Elector of
Brandenburg, amongst a hundred others, still resting there today.
Bishop Sarah attended
the Sunday Service where the title of Ehrendompredigerin
(Honorary Preacher) was bestowed upon her for her active support of the partnership
between the Evangelical Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper-Lusatia
and the Diocese of London.
Bishop Sarah receives title of
Ehrendompredigerin (Honorary Preacher)
Bishop Sarah delivered the sermon at the Sunday Service, speaking about the significance of the enduring relationship between both churches, and the importance of unity and hope for both cities and communities in response to the collective challenges we face today.
Bishop Sarah delivering the sermon at the Sunday Service at Berliner Dom
Commenting on her visit to Berlin, Bishop of
London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:
“It
was a joy to celebrate our partnership in Berlin and an honour to be given the
title of Ehrendompredigerin, representing the strong link
between the churches of London and Berlin, and most importantly the people of both
cities. At a time when communities in both cities have faced similar challenges
in the form of the pandemic and the current energy crisis, as well as global
issues including the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine, there has never
been a more pressing time to come together and strengthen the alliance between
the two cities. “Being united in Christ helps to ensure solidarity
with each other in today’s challenging times. Our partnership with the Church
in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper-Lusatia demonstrates the importance
of unity and has continued to bring us together since its formation in 1999. I
look forward to further working with clergy in Berlin, and their partner
parishes in the Diocese of London, as this partnership continues to grow.”
