Four North-German parishes draw up a Common Good Balance Sheet
Four Protestant parishes – Nieharde, Husum, Oldenswort and Witzwort-Uelvesbüll – have successfully completed their Common Good Balance Sheets. This milestone was celebrated on 14th May at the Christian Jensen Kolleg in Breklum, with approximately 60 guests in attendance from the church, civil society and the ECOnGOOD community.
In a pioneering move, the four congregations conducted a joint peer evaluation of their results. This collaborative approach fostered shared experiences, mutual support and collective learning – perfectly embodying the spirit of ECG cooperation. During the panel discussion, participants acknowledged that whilst the journey had its challenges, particularly regarding the need for church-specific terminology distinct from the handbook’s language. The parishes received guidance from ECOnGOOD consultants Anke Butscher, Gerd Lauermann and Hans Pahl-Christiansen.
Bendix Balke, Coordinator of the ECOnGOOD Faith Organisations Hub, highlighted the alignment between church values and the ECG mission statement: “A good life for all is only possible with respect for ecology, dignity and justice.” Bishop Nora Steen and Friedemann Magaard (Synod) emphasised the innovative nature of the process and its significance for the ethical orientation of church activities. The Lutheran Church of Northern Germany is closely monitoring the process and its outcomes.
The event featured a preview of “WHO IF NOT US”, a documentary film chronicling the entire process, with plans underway for a premiere in Husum. You can watch the trailer.
