EKD Visit
Posted by mike |
In October 2009 the Executive officers of the CCT had the opportunity to visit Germany at the ivitation of the Evangelishe Kirke Deutschland (EKD). This is the state church of Germany with whom the CCT has had a relationship for fifty years. (Click here to find out more about the EKD) Between 13 and 17 January this year a return visit was made by representatives of the EKD to Thailand. The party consisted of Bishop Martin Schindehütte (the Bishop in Charge of Ecumenical Affairs) Rev. Paul Oppenheim (Regional Secretary for Asia, Australia, the Pacific and North America) and Rev. Dine Fecht (Secretary responsible for German churches abroad). Their visit corresponded with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the German Evangelical Church, Bangkok. During their time in Thailand they had the opportunity to visit ministries in Chiang Mai including the CCT AIDS Ministry, Payap University, McGilvary Faculty of Theology, The German Christian School and McKean Rehabilitation Centre. In Bangkok they were hosted by both the CCT Executive Officers and Pakh 6 with which the Evangelical German Church, Bangkok is related. On Sunday January 17 a special service of celebration was held at the Evangelical German Church. This was attended by the ambassador of Germany and many other dignitaries including the CCT General Secretary, Rev. Sayam Muangsak.
One of the many common concerns that were discussed between the EKD representatives and the General Secretary of the CCT were the particular needs of Germans and their families living or vacationing in Thailand. This group has, of course, been the particular concern of the German Evangelical Church, Bangkok, but the recent increase in numbers of Germans throughout Thailand has meant that new ways of responding to this group of people needs to be found. Discussions are still in their early stages, but it is hoped that EKD and CCT will be able to work together in new and exciting ways to minister to the special needs of Germans and their families in Thailand.