American Lutherans to missionise in Lothertown Wittenberg

In Wittenberg, only about 18 percent of the 50,000-some population claims to be Christian.

That's the driving reason four Lutheran partners are working to open a multifaceted Lutheran ministry center in the heart of "Luther land." Scheduled dedication date: Reformation Day 2008.

[...]
Last year, Godsall-Myers and his wife, Jean, a university professor, moved to Wittenberg to open a pilgrimage center for the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran body in the U.S. The couple say their presence here is indicative of Wittenberg's modest spiritual revival, but they acknowledge that they are swimming against a strong anti-religious tide.

... ... ...

Two concepts of church

This has ruffled some feathers among German church leaders, who fear that the more aggressive Americans will poach from their already thin flocks.

Jean Godsall-Myers was quick to emphasize that she and her husband did not see themselves as missionaries.

"We have no interest in proselytizing," she said. "Others who come here may, but we realize that if you've lived 40 years of your life as an atheist, to just suddenly convert -- it's not going to happen."

Her husband acknowledged that the American concept of church made Germans a bit uncomfortable.

"Americans are interested in converting, in bringing people into the church [so that] they can have a relationship with God," he said. "The German church has a whole different approach. It would like to see itself existing as a force for good in society."