Editorials
EKD Synod Convenes in Bremen
"Changing climate, changing waters, changing lives"
October 14, 2008
They were travelling to Bremen-a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cock. The story of the Musicians of Bremen is one of the most famous of the Brothers Grimm's fairytales, and the recounting of how the four animals en route for Bremen take possession of a cottage, driving the robbers away with loud clamor, is the comic climax of this tale. Although the characters in the story never made it to the city on the Weser, a statue depicting the four animals stands before the town hall. Their motto, "You can always find something better than death," can refer to more than just animals making music in Bremen.
In early November, 120 Synod participants will be on their way to Bremen, not to find "something better than death," but rather, answers to questions about life. The EKD is holding its Tenth Synod there from 2 to 5 November. In addition to examining the report of the Council, reports from various agencies and institutions, legislative projects and the budget for the coming year, Synod participants will discuss the theme "Changing climate, changing waters, changing lives." At last year's meeting the Synod decided that the next meeting-the last of this legislative session-would turn to the theme "Preserving creation: climate change and climate protection, illustrated by the example of water with its numerous biblical, theological, spiritual, ecological and economic aspects, as well as its significance in relation to peace-keeping and intervention strategies."
The discussion on this central issue will be launched on Monday 3 November as part of a Bible study conducted by the President of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil and WCC Central Committee moderator Walter Altmann. After this, the EKD Council member for sustainable development and honorary chairperson of "BUND," the German Association for Environmental Protection and Nature Conservancy (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz in Deutschland), Angelika Zahrnt will introduce the theme, and Rev. Ulrike Trautwein, chairperson of the Planning Committee, will present a draft of the Synod statement.
The Synod will open on 2 November with a service of worship in Bremen's Cathedral of St Peter, a stone's throw from the Bremen Musicians monument. Renke Brahms, the Bremen "Schriftführer" or secretary, as the pastor presiding the churches committee is called in the Hanseatic city, will deliver the homily. Following this, the chairperson of the EKD Council Bishop Wolfgang Huber will present to the Synod a report on developments in the areas of social and church policy.
Music will accompany the Synod; not braying, barking, meowing or crowing, but the melodious sounds of brass instruments. One of the excellent traditions in synodical culture is for trumpet players to bring their gleaming gold instruments with them and make the meeting room ring with choral sounds during devotions and to signal the end of breaks. So will it also come to pass in Bremen, the home of the Town Musicians.