October 29, 2009

CHICAGO – The directors of the Wittenberg Center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will end their service in Germany Nov. 30, the result of "harsh budget realities," according to the Rev. Robert O. Smith, ELCA Global Mission. Smith made the comment in an Oct. 19 letter sent to ELCA church companions and other partners in Germany.

The departures of the Rev. Stephen E. and Dr. Jean Godsall-Myers leave the future of the center uncertain, said Smith, continental desk director for Europe and Middle East.

The Godsall-Myers, who have served as directors since 2006, released the news Oct. 28 in a special edition of their newsletter e-mailed to supporters of the center. They expect to remain in Lutherstadt Wittenberg through Christmas and return to the United States in early January.

"This is a great place where ‘living encounters' (happen)," said Stephen Godsall-Myers in a phone interview from Wittenberg. "We've really enjoyed being connected to the local church community and using those connections to help people who visit here."

"It has been exciting and a privilege to be here during a time of re-formation of the church in this region. To me, the work of the Holy Spirit here has been very, very powerful," said Jean Godsall-Myers.

Stephen Godsall-Myers said he has been in touch with the bishop of his synod, the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and plans to seek a call there. Jean Godsall-Myers is a professor of German and said she hopes to find similar work.

The 10-year-old Wittenberg Center is a unique ministry located in the city where Martin Luther, a German monk, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in 1517. His writings were instrumental in the Protestant Reformation.

The center and its staff provide educational programs, including study programs for college students, continuing education and sabbatical opportunities for professional church leaders, and assist Christian groups visiting the city.

"Even with the creative ideas for new financial partnership that have been shared in recent weeks, it is clear the ELCA will not have the resources to place full-time staff in Wittenberg in the future. Given the budget realities the ELCA is facing, we have needed to move far more quickly than we would have desired to restructure our engagement in Wittenberg," Smith wrote to German companions.

Smith added that the ELCA was unable at the present time to make substantial commitments to future plans, but after mid-November Global Mission would have a better idea of its budget situation and could discuss specifics then.

He told the ELCA News Service that the Wittenberg Center has a network of people who are dedicated to its ministry. "We do not take this decision lightly. We're looking for the best possible outcome and invite comment," he said.

The Lutheran World Federation and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) both maintain offices in Wittenberg. Just this week, the Rev. David L. Mahsman was installed as managing director of the LCMS International Lutheran Welcome Center.

In September 2008 the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop and LWF president, and German church leaders initiated the "Luther Decade" in Wittenberg – a series of events and observances leading to 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The ELCA Wittenberg Center staff expected to play a significant role in the observance.

Hanson wrote to leaders of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany (VELKD) to assure them "that the ELCA is exploring ways to deepen our companionship and continue our presence in Wittenberg."

The Godsall-Myers both indicated that they hoped the ELCA would maintain a presence in historic Wittenberg. "I think a lot of people would want that. I hope it continues with success and God's blessing on it all," said Jean Godsall-Myers.

Information about the ELCA Wittenberg Center is at http://www.ELCA.org/wittenberg/, on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service