Information on The Christian Community
A number of booklets are readily available that explain a number of aspects of The Christian Community including an introduction, the sacraments celebrated by The Christian Community, death and something about young children.
To find out more and how to get copies to read scroll down or click here. |
A Free Community for Religious Renewal
The Christian Community recognises the Christian way to be a path of freedom. Fostering the freedom and responsibility of the individual is seen as a fundamental part of the Christ's message and deeds. All who come with an attitude of reverence and open-minded questioning will find the greatest measure of intellectual freedom.
The priests therefore never give prescriptive interpretations. Rather do individuals share their research and insights and there is space in this modern Christian theology for a new approach to the universal ideas of reincarnation and karma. There is also a recognition of the angelic hierarchies and their working and of the processes relating to life before birth and life after death. Christ is recognized as the Guide and Redeemer with Whom we all work in complete freedom. |
A Short History
From time to time the development of humanity requires a spirit of renewal. A true spirit of renewal enlivens and strengthens our work and sense of direction. Just such a spirit of renewal set in motion the founding of The Christian Community.
The Christian Community was founded in 1922 in Switzerland. The leading personalities were Protestant German theologians, foremost of all the widely acclaimed and respected Dr. Friedrich Rittlemeyer. The diverse background of the founders and the focus of their intent determined the Christian Community to be a truly ecumenical church. As such it is non-denominational and does not feel attached to any dogma or fixed patterns of belief. It was founded on the understanding of three factors:
• That each community is autonomous, respecting the freedom of the individual
• That men and women are equal, therefore from its inception, both women and men priests were ordained
• That there will be no dogma in which 'the church' interprets spiritual understanding.
The Christian Community was founded in 1922 in Switzerland. The leading personalities were Protestant German theologians, foremost of all the widely acclaimed and respected Dr. Friedrich Rittlemeyer. The diverse background of the founders and the focus of their intent determined the Christian Community to be a truly ecumenical church. As such it is non-denominational and does not feel attached to any dogma or fixed patterns of belief. It was founded on the understanding of three factors:
• That each community is autonomous, respecting the freedom of the individual
• That men and women are equal, therefore from its inception, both women and men priests were ordained
• That there will be no dogma in which 'the church' interprets spiritual understanding.
The Christian Community Worldwide
The Christian Community has approximately 350 independent Christian Community congregations worldwide. There are regional and international bodies to coordinate the work at those levels.
The work in Southern Africa began with the founding of the congregations in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 1965. Today there are also established congregations in Windhoek and Durban.
The work in Southern Africa began with the founding of the congregations in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 1965. Today there are also established congregations in Windhoek and Durban.
The Priests
Priests are ordained through the Sacrament of Ordination. The preparation for ordination takes a minimum of four years. There is no higher level of ordination in the Christian Community, although some priests are selected to carry specialized tasks. These special tasks include responsibility for a region embracing several congregations and responsibility for an overall world view and the co-ordination of the congregations world-wide. Priests are free to marry or not
Sacred Ritual
The Christian Community recognizes Christ's deed of death and resurrection as the pivotal turning point for all renewal in the history of mankind. He initiated new possibilities for co-working between human beings on earth and the beings of the world of spirit.
Through His indwelling in the sacraments, this revitalizing impulse continues to be available to us today. The christened substance produced in sacramental community becomes available as a source of genuine healing and renewal in the lives of individuals and in the life of the world and mankind as a whole.
Through His indwelling in the sacraments, this revitalizing impulse continues to be available to us today. The christened substance produced in sacramental community becomes available as a source of genuine healing and renewal in the lives of individuals and in the life of the world and mankind as a whole.
Community Life
Surrounding the work of the sacraments lies a rich and varied community life of celebrations, fairs, festivals, conferences, children and youth work, talks and study groups. Regular newsletters carry community news and report forth-coming events.
Financial Support
The congregations are financially independent. The work of The Christian Community is supported purely through the free gifts of the members and friends of the local congregations.
Membership
Information on The Christian Community
The booklets illustrated above have been published to help people understand something about The Christian Community; how it is a movement for religious renewal, how it differs from other Christian churches and how it offers something for everyone with existential questions. Each title is an entry point that may provide answers to something that is important in your life, but, hopefully, also raises more questions that may lead you to investigate us further.
Each title is available free of charge as a pdf through the webmaster (request the title you are interested in) or as an ebook (in most e-reader formats) directly from the publishers website.
Each title is available free of charge as a pdf through the webmaster (request the title you are interested in) or as an ebook (in most e-reader formats) directly from the publishers website.
We live in a secular world. Religion, in any form, is foreign to most people. And yet many people sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye, not only on an emotional or psychological level, but especially on a spiritual one. For those looking for a more meaningful and fulfilling life, a modern form of Christian religious life can be a great help in finding a new relationship to the divine world.
The Christian Community is a movement whose aim is to renew religious life. It does not do so by attempting to revive any previous practices. On the contrary, it works out of a heightened awareness of the necessity for a world view with an intrinsic spiritual dimension as basis for any real religious activity. It is this that makes the services, as they are celebrated in the Community, new. The spiritual quality, evident in all the services and sacraments, reveals something of the fullness of the invisible, divine above us.
The Christian Community is a movement whose aim is to renew religious life. It does not do so by attempting to revive any previous practices. On the contrary, it works out of a heightened awareness of the necessity for a world view with an intrinsic spiritual dimension as basis for any real religious activity. It is this that makes the services, as they are celebrated in the Community, new. The spiritual quality, evident in all the services and sacraments, reveals something of the fullness of the invisible, divine above us.
This little book answers questions about the seven sacraments as celebrated in The Christian Community movement for religious renewal.
Who takes part in the Act of Consecration of Man? What is used in Baptism? What is done in Sacramental Consultation? What happens at the Ordination of Priests?
The text of these rituals is never printed or read by the congregation - they are there to be heard and experienced. These descriptions are intended as a guide and introduction for those who wish to attend the services.
Who takes part in the Act of Consecration of Man? What is used in Baptism? What is done in Sacramental Consultation? What happens at the Ordination of Priests?
The text of these rituals is never printed or read by the congregation - they are there to be heard and experienced. These descriptions are intended as a guide and introduction for those who wish to attend the services.
The Christian Community, a movement for religious renewal founded in 20199, has clearly outlines forms of sacraments which are continuously given new meaning our of each individual's understanding. These sacraments requore priests who have dedicated themselves to this task.
This booklet describes the spiritual background of priesthood, the Ordination service, the tasks of priests in celebarting sacraments, teachin and pastoral care, and it explores the relationship between priest and congregation.
Ann Christine Klemm, born in 1954 in Oregon, studied languages and history of art, She has worked as a priest in Germany, Ireland , and now in England.
This booklet describes the spiritual background of priesthood, the Ordination service, the tasks of priests in celebarting sacraments, teachin and pastoral care, and it explores the relationship between priest and congregation.
Ann Christine Klemm, born in 1954 in Oregon, studied languages and history of art, She has worked as a priest in Germany, Ireland , and now in England.
Frieling’s pithy style condenses into a few pages the riddles of the human being, the creation of man, the Fall, freedom, and redemption through Christ. This positive approach is an antidote to modern pessimism regarding the future of humanity.
Rudolf Frieling was born in 1901 in Leipzig, Germany. He studied theology and philosophy and was among those who founded The Christian Community in 1922. He was its leader from 1960 until his death in 1986. His other works include Christianity and Reincarnation; Hidden Treasures in the Psalms; Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies.
Rudolf Frieling was born in 1901 in Leipzig, Germany. He studied theology and philosophy and was among those who founded The Christian Community in 1922. He was its leader from 1960 until his death in 1986. His other works include Christianity and Reincarnation; Hidden Treasures in the Psalms; Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies.
This booklet describes Baptism in the renewed sacramental life of the Christian Community.
Birth is the starting point of our life on earth. Baptism can be regarded as the birth of the Christian human being who, through the community of humankind, helps to shape the Christian community of the future.
The choice of godparents and their task, the use of the three sacramental substances — salt, water and ash — are described.
Birth is the starting point of our life on earth. Baptism can be regarded as the birth of the Christian human being who, through the community of humankind, helps to shape the Christian community of the future.
The choice of godparents and their task, the use of the three sacramental substances — salt, water and ash — are described.
The Eucharist evolved out of the Last Supper, the ritual of the Mass. Frieling examins the archetypal structure of Gospel reading, Offertory, Transubstantiation and Communion, as well as describing the development of the early Christian service into the Mass, the reaction of the REformation, and its renewed form in the Act of Consecration of Man.
Rudolf Frieling was born in 1909 in Leipzig, Germany. He sstudied theology and philosophy and was among those who founded The Christian Community in 1922. He was its leader from 1960 until his death in 1986. His other works include Christianity and Reincarnation; Hidden Treasures in the Psalms; Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies.
Rudolf Frieling was born in 1909 in Leipzig, Germany. He sstudied theology and philosophy and was among those who founded The Christian Community in 1922. He was its leader from 1960 until his death in 1986. His other works include Christianity and Reincarnation; Hidden Treasures in the Psalms; Old Testament Studies and New Testament Studies.
Behind the highlights of the festivals of the Christian Year, there is a series of readings from the gospels which are used in the Act of Consecration of Man, the Communion Service of The Christian Community. Deeper study of these readings reveals a composition which has nothing arbitrary about it. Motifs develop and grow from week to week; even the particular gospel from which a reading is taken is expressive of an aspect of the events it describes.
What emerges is a new gospel, taking its content from the other gospels, but living in time and in the rhythm of the Christian year. Hans-Werner Schroeder shows how this gospel expresses the life of Christ, which was a unique historical event, as a living reality within the course of every year.
What emerges is a new gospel, taking its content from the other gospels, but living in time and in the rhythm of the Christian year. Hans-Werner Schroeder shows how this gospel expresses the life of Christ, which was a unique historical event, as a living reality within the course of every year.
In the Eucharist service of the Christian Community, the Act of the Consecration of Man, a new form of the Creed is read. Paradoxically, it does not begin with ‘I believe,’ but rather is something which can become a source of faith through understanding.
Hans-Werner Schroeder takes us step by step through the Creed, explaining it as a spiritual path which can truly transform us. This is an essential book for members of the Christian Community, and will also be of interest to all those searching for spiritual foundations.
Hans-Werner Schroeder, born in 1931, is a priest of the Christian Community. He teaches at the seminary in Stuttgart and is the author of The Cosmic Christ, Necessary Evil, The Trinity and The Healing Power of Prayer.
Hans-Werner Schroeder takes us step by step through the Creed, explaining it as a spiritual path which can truly transform us. This is an essential book for members of the Christian Community, and will also be of interest to all those searching for spiritual foundations.
Hans-Werner Schroeder, born in 1931, is a priest of the Christian Community. He teaches at the seminary in Stuttgart and is the author of The Cosmic Christ, Necessary Evil, The Trinity and The Healing Power of Prayer.
What can the renewed sacramental life of The Christian Community offer to those who seek pastoral care?
Describing Sacramental Consultation as practised in The Christian Community, Tom Ravetz shows how it differs from the earlier form of confession and repentance.
Together with the support of the Act of Consecration of Man, we can be helped to experience a ‘turning’ towards our higher self. Through becoming aware of the reality of Christ’s presence in our souls, we can become empowered to live our lives in a new way, and to live creatively with our problems and shortcomings.
Describing Sacramental Consultation as practised in The Christian Community, Tom Ravetz shows how it differs from the earlier form of confession and repentance.
Together with the support of the Act of Consecration of Man, we can be helped to experience a ‘turning’ towards our higher self. Through becoming aware of the reality of Christ’s presence in our souls, we can become empowered to live our lives in a new way, and to live creatively with our problems and shortcomings.
Sharing one’s life with another means the interweaving of two destinies, two paths of life. Through this, the basic element of human community is created. Whilst the decision to marry is a private matter for the two people concerned, the fact of their marriage has the deepest significance for society. Throughout the ages it has been accompanied by some form of ritual. This served to formalise and to raise the decision by calling upon some objective, higher instance to bless the union. Even in our secular age couples often still feel a longing for some kind of ritual or blessing.
Malcolm Allsop explores questions around the potential of human relationships: younger couples setting out on a shared path, older couples with more experience of the challenges of relationships, same-gender couples, and the length of a marriage. The significance of the step to marriage becomes clearer and brighter, as does the role of the marriage ritual of The Christian Community in bringing purpose and meaning to this step.
Malcolm Allsop explores questions around the potential of human relationships: younger couples setting out on a shared path, older couples with more experience of the challenges of relationships, same-gender couples, and the length of a marriage. The significance of the step to marriage becomes clearer and brighter, as does the role of the marriage ritual of The Christian Community in bringing purpose and meaning to this step.
This booklet describes the sacraments of The Christian Community for those who seem to be near death, as well as the rituals which can be held for a person who has died.
The Sacramental Consultation is a personal consultation with the priest that has a sacramental conclusion. Holy Communion can be received at the bedside. These can be of help for someone nearing the threshold of death before receiving the Anointing.
After death there is a funeral in two parts, and the Act of Consecration of Man for the Dead can be held on a following Saturday. This is the regular Communion Service with special prayers to help the deceased on their path in the life beyond death.
The Sacramental Consultation is a personal consultation with the priest that has a sacramental conclusion. Holy Communion can be received at the bedside. These can be of help for someone nearing the threshold of death before receiving the Anointing.
After death there is a funeral in two parts, and the Act of Consecration of Man for the Dead can be held on a following Saturday. This is the regular Communion Service with special prayers to help the deceased on their path in the life beyond death.
Death is a certainty that affects us all, and that every human being has to face.
More is known about human death than many people realise. A growing number of people have felt themselves to be on the brink of death, and having ‘an out-of-body experience.’ Some of these people feel they have actually chosen to come ‘back to life’ after hours on the operating table.
The spiritual insight of Rudolf Steiner shows distinct stages in existence after death. Above all there is the central Christian mystery of death, the full significance of which has not yet been grasped by human thinking and which will only reveal itself as that thinking becomes more spiritual.
Stanley Drake was born in 1906. While working as an accountant in London he met a number of religious groups including The Christian Community which impressed him and led him to ordination in 1939. From 1952 until his death in 1986 he worked as a priest in Forest Row, Sussex.
More is known about human death than many people realise. A growing number of people have felt themselves to be on the brink of death, and having ‘an out-of-body experience.’ Some of these people feel they have actually chosen to come ‘back to life’ after hours on the operating table.
The spiritual insight of Rudolf Steiner shows distinct stages in existence after death. Above all there is the central Christian mystery of death, the full significance of which has not yet been grasped by human thinking and which will only reveal itself as that thinking becomes more spiritual.
Stanley Drake was born in 1906. While working as an accountant in London he met a number of religious groups including The Christian Community which impressed him and led him to ordination in 1939. From 1952 until his death in 1986 he worked as a priest in Forest Row, Sussex.
Welcome to the Upstart sampler, a free first chapter of Sue Palmer’s groundbreaking book Upstart: The case for raising the school starting age and providing what the under-sevens really need.
Sue’s aim is to: ‘influence public opinion so that by the next general election the introduction of a kindergarten stage for three- to seven-year-olds is high on the UK’s political agenda.’
This sampler tells you what children and society gain from starting formal education later, and why we cannot afford to brush this need aside. Please be part of the change!
Although certain aspects of this book are geared at the education system in the UK, they may also be relevant genrally.
Sue’s aim is to: ‘influence public opinion so that by the next general election the introduction of a kindergarten stage for three- to seven-year-olds is high on the UK’s political agenda.’
This sampler tells you what children and society gain from starting formal education later, and why we cannot afford to brush this need aside. Please be part of the change!
Although certain aspects of this book are geared at the education system in the UK, they may also be relevant genrally.