October 25, 1999

 Press Release: Conference of International Black Lutherans/rns

                          Wittenberg , Germany

                          Luther in Sachsen-Anhalt       The Leucorea

  October 25, 1999

 Press Release: Conference of International Black Lutherans

                          Wittenberg , Germany

                          Luther in Sachsen-Anhalt        The Leucorea

 “What does it mean to me as a Christian,” having been the Prime Minister of Saxony since 1994. “What is the significance of my faith in the context of the Gospel?” were questions raised by the Prime Minister of Saxony, Reihard Höppner as he greeted the Conference of International Black Lutherans gathered at Wittenberg , Germany . 

 Since this is my church, in fact then I have the liberty of calling you my brothers and sisters.

 Coming to Wittenberg means coming to the roots of our faith.  These buildings were the university where Luther and his friends were lecturing.  Not far away from here is the door where he nailed his 95 theses…..This movement ushered in a period a movement of change and reformation.

 Luther wrote songs here, Bach ought to be mentioned and Schutz, as well as Handel and Telemond.  Who were prominent composers of the Baroque era.  This is the heart and soul o f the Lutheran movement.  They all wrote songs in Saxony

 The Prime Minister noted that the conference had come at a particular time of importance. “For next weekend in Augsburg a joint declaration will be concluded between representatives of the Catholic Church and Lutheran and Reformed Churches on the Doctrine of Justification.  It is now after 500 years that mutual accusations will be declared null and void.  It is particularly important for us Christians at the threshold of the new millennium to fight for the work of the union among all Christians.

 It is 10 years ago when the wall came down.  These changes affected he east west conflict.

 These changes were of particular importance to me. 

 Until the revolution of 1981 I was committed to working in the publishing industry, and working for the president of the church.

 Since 1990 I have been dealing with politics

 What is the significance of my faith in the light of the changes and in light of the gospel?

 I am quite aware that the problems of Africa are different than those in Germany and America too, but we all have to confront ourselves as Christians to over come the problems that face our brothers and sisters.

 I think we are all confronted with the issues of less solidarity between those employed out of work young and old and the north and the south This emphasizes the need for Europeans not to forget the Africa.  It is the forgotten continent. 

 Entering the new millennium there are fundamental changes that we do not understand yet.  Luther’s doctrine of justification is one of the tools that will help us face what lies ahead.  The doctrine of sanctification gives us courage in accordance with Lutheran message that we do not despair, that we encourage to take decisions that might be particular difficult.. God knows that we will make mistakes and may have shortcomings.

 The Conference of International Black Lutherans from Africa , N. America , Europe , and Latin America

 Conference of Black Lutheran Theologians both clergy and lay.  To reflect on the black Lutheran heritage and its meaning and significance for the black peoples experience in Africa and in the Diaspora.

 The question may arise why we are here

 Luther affected not only Germans, but the universe as a whole.

 We are here to clearly register our claim to the Lutheran heritage and demonstrate that it has relevance and meaning for African and African American Christians and Black people who wherever they are.

 Luther has great significance for Lutherans and other protestant bodies.  Reformation movement has given rise to many other movements.

 The steering committee made the decision to come here so that black Lutheran can understand and receive with better appreciation understanding the roots of the protestant tradition

 Luther was an inspiration to those of us who have to stand up and speak out against injustices and oppression, and suffering our people which our people express on the African continent and in the Diaspora

 How do we enter into the new millennium?

 What kind of faith do we want for ourselves and our children for a better world?

 We do this in the context that inspired Martin Luther.