Perspectives for a future Protestantism
Peter Morée, church historian from Prague, gave a lecture on the challenging topic „Protestant Churches under the Influence of Nationalism“ at the Digital Academy on December 2, 2021. In two hours, more than 20 participants experienced theoretical impulses that gained concrete form through examples from art and architecture. In small groups, the participants from numerous European countries had several opportunities for direct exchange. The moderator of the evening was Oliver Engelhardt (CPCE).
Many Protestant churches are currently experiencing changes that deeply affect their self-understanding, social status and internal structure.
Public discourses in Europe are shaped more and more by nationalist positions. This has an impact not only political debates of the respective societies; it also challenges the
Protestant churches as agents in these societies. On the one hand, Protestant churches are rooted within their own historically and culturally moulded narratives. On the other hand, as Protestants they are part of a strong tradition (European Protestantism) and of worldwide Christianity. Which challenges arise for Protestant churches facing strengthening nationalisms? What signifi cance do they attribute to their own national anchorage concerning their Protestant identity?
