Demokratie bauen!

Mörfelden-Walldorf

„Sie hatten die Demokratie im Gepäck – Waldenserglaube und Waldenserkirche im Exil“. Waldenserkirchen als Versammlungsraum und Identifikationspunkt

The Waldensian Church was a pre-Reformation Christian movement and is characterized by distinctive features in its church life. The Waldensian tradition focuses on diaconal ministry—that is, service to the community through social institutions and programs—and a democratically structured presbyterial-synodal system based on local autonomy.

A consistory presides over this system, which also holds the right to freely elect pastors. The Waldensians brought the principles of their democratically oriented community from the Waldensian valleys in Italy with them into exile. These principles were based on the privileged fiscal and political status that the Republic of the Escartons had enjoyed since the mid-14th century in the French Alpine regions and northern Italy. The Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt granted the Waldensians in the colonies of Rohrbach and Walldorf numerous privileges and freedoms. They were able to maintain these in their community and church order for decades. Thus, the church, which was built according to simple Reformation principles, also served as the local meeting hall. As the architectural centerpiece of the planned colony, it always played a prominent role in urban planning and socio-cultural life, serving as a focal point for the community. Its interior was designed according to simple and clear principles.

Despite the loss of the privileges and freedoms they once enjoyed, the Waldensian churches remain conscious of their tradition and the democratic principles it embodies, and are seeking ways to carry these into a modern future.

The event will begin with a lecture by theologian and Waldensian scholar Dr. Luca Ghiretti, followed by an opportunity for discussion about the present and future of the church as a democratic community.

Free. Registration is required