The Bishop of London tours Berlin as Diocesan link between London and Berlin strengthens

The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, toured parishes and churches in Berlin last weekend, continuing the long-standing partnership with the Diocese of Berlin-Brandenburg.

Bishop Sarah began her trip by visiting the British Embassy, where she was welcomed by the UK’s Deputy Head of Mission to Germany, Kieran Drake, and joined by leaders of linked German churches to the Diocese of London. The German leaders spoke with Bishop Sarah about the important work taking place in parishes across Berlin to help the most vulnerable in the run up to Christmas, and how to further strengthen the relationship between the churches of Berlin and London as they head into 2023.

The Bishop of London also took time to visit the iconic Berliner Dom. Constructed between 1894 and 1905, the cathedral is the largest Protestant church in Germany, and one of the most significant dynastic tombs in Europe, with Frederick William I, Elector of Brandenburg, amongst a hundred others, still resting there today.

Bishop Sarah attended the Sunday Service where the title of Ehrendompredigerin (Honorary Preacher) was bestowed upon her for her active support of the partnership between the Evangelical Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper-Lusatia and the Diocese of London.

Bishop Sarah delivered the sermon at the Sunday Service, speaking about the significance of the enduring relationship between both churches, and the importance of unity and hope for both cities and communities in response to the collective challenges we face today.

Commenting on her visit to Berlin, Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:

 “It was a joy to celebrate our partnership in Berlin and an honour to be given the title of Ehrendompredigerin, representing the strong link between the churches of London and Berlin, and most importantly the people of both cities. At a time when communities in both cities have faced similar challenges in the form of the pandemic and the current energy crisis, as well as global issues including the climate crisis and the war in Ukraine, there has never been a more pressing time to come together and strengthen the alliance between the two cities.

“Being united in Christ helps to ensure solidarity with each other in today’s challenging times. Our partnership with the Church in Berlin, Brandenburg and Silesian Upper-Lusatia demonstrates the importance of unity and has continued to bring us together since its formation in 1999. I look forward to further working with clergy in Berlin, and their partner parishes in the Diocese of London, as this partnership continues to grow.”