EKD Press Releases

EKD Chair Congratulates Philip Potter

Schneider: Basic ecumenical experiences are vital

August 19, 2011

Präses Nikolaus Schneider, the chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), congratulated Philip Potter who celebrates his 90th birthday today, Friday. Potter, whose passion for ecumenism makes him an inspiring model for the Church, served as general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 1972 to1984.  Philip Potter's person "represents basic ecumenical experiences that remain vital for us," the EKD Council chair said in his greeting.

Potter lived the "spiritual, theological and political dimension of our faith as an intimately interwoven whole in a unique way." The Council chair also hailed the crucial importance of the 1982 Faith and Order paper "Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry," in which Potter played a decisive role and which paved the way towards a new understanding of the unity of the Church. Schneider: "This declaration did not remain a mere scrap of paper, but rather, by instituting the "Lima Liturgy," laid the foundation for the joint celebration of worship, which until today remains an incentive as well as a challenge for sharing a common spiritual life.

The Council chair highlighted Potter's efforts in WCC's campaign against apartheid in southern Africa and against all forms of racism. This clear commitment to equality and the value of all humankind as "God's creatures and forgiven sinners" is a powerful testimony of faith, even if this commitment was accompanied by deep internal conflicts within the ecumenical community concerned with proving and preserving the unity bestowed by God. Potter's "theological passion, competence and spiritual charisma," Schneider further stated, have contributed substantially to maintaining the unity of the ecumenical movement through worship and prayer, in keeping with the gospel.

Hanover, August 18, 2011

Press Office of the EKD
Reinhard Mawick