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A Free Community for Religious Renewal
The Christian Community recognizes 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
