Alexy II hopes for friendly relationships with Lutheran church
Alexy II said during the meeting with the head of this church archbishop Edmund Ratz "we have formed kind, friendly relationships with Evangelical-Lutheran church.
Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) helped formation of Evangelical-Lutheran church (ELC) during Soviet period when churches were persecuted".
The Patriarchy hopes for more intensive meetings with guidance of ELC (its center is situated in St Petersburg) and for dialogue developing especially concerning moral upbringing, strengthening of moral norms in society and perfection of legislation.
According to the Patriarchy Edmund Ratz who has been being the head of ELC since April has wide experience of international service and missionary work in Africa and Latin America. He used to serve in Ukraine for 6 years.
The Patriarchy decorated former head of ELC archbishop Georg Krechmar with an order of Daniil Moscow for strengthening of ties between two churches.
ELC unites mostly the faithful of German origin who traditionally profess Lutheranism.
Its parishes were opened not only in Russia and Ukraine but in Belarus, Middle Asia and Kazakhstan.
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