German Christians Team Up to Promote the Bible

DRESDEN, Germany, JAN. 7, 2003 (Zenit.org).- German Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox are joining together this year in a series of initiatives aimed at re-establishing the Word of God at the center of their lives.

With the "Year of the Bible," opened officially here Jan. 1, the Christians of Germany want to put the Bible at the center of public debate in order to reach the greatest possible number of people.

The Seek and Find initiative is organized by Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox gathered in the ecumenical council ACK. A parallel effort is under way in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Austria.

During the solemn inauguration in Dresden, broadcast live by Germany's leading public-television channel, the importance of a daily relation with the Word was underlined.

"The Bible is explosive for our life: for us, for the healthy understanding of man, for our interpersonal relations, for our society and our future duties," said Cardinal Karl Lehmann, president of the German bishops' conference, as he presented the initiative.

For his part, Manfred Koch, president of the Council of Evangelical Churches, said that "many people today are skeptical about what the Christian tradition offers. For others, the church itself is from their infancy a sure place of life that brings positive experiences."

"I counsel everyone: experience what the Bible says to man and seek the signs of divine blessings in your lives," he added.