General Secretary Anne Burghardt and Bishop Leon Novak in the Reformation park in Ljubljana. Photo: LWF/A. Danielsson
General Secretary concludes visit to Slovenia, meets local congregations and government officials
(LWI) - “The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Slovenia is deeply committed to witnessing to the gospel and serving society,” said the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, at the conclusion of her visit to the church.
With around 10,000 members, Slovenia’s Lutheran church may be small in numbers, but it holds an influential and respected place in society. “It was a privilege to worship with them and meet the pastors, lay leaders, and young people of this church,” Burghardt added.
During her five-day visit, Burghardt saw parishes across the country. In Murska Sobota, she preached during a worship service and attended a concert by the youth band Eben Ezer. Her itinerary also included visits to congregations in the neighboring town of Moravske Toplice which is known for its thermal baths, the capital city of Ljubljana, and the church's newest congregations in Novo Mesto and the coastal town of Izola.
The General Secretary paid special attention to the diaconal work of the Slovenian church, which provides support to elderly people, families, and youth. Rev. Peter Andrejčák, who leads the diaconal ministry, highlighted a recent project that procured hospital beds for elderly people in the region who are being cared for by their families at home.
One of the church's newest congregations in Novo Mesto left a particular impression. They worship in a beautifully renovated chapel whose front door is inscribed with the words of Psalm 23. The circular sanctuary hosts lively Sunday worship services each week. Led by two pastors and two chaplains, the congregation has developed outreach initiatives, including supporting a rural community in Uganda by purchasing a field where locals can grow vegetables and generate income. The congregation has also organized ecumenical services with local churches.
Rev. Peter Andrejčák introduces the diaconal work of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Slovenia.
Psalm 23 is dear to the parish in Novo Mesto. It is inscribed in Slovenian on the front door of the church.
A meeting with Slovenian President Dr. Natasha Pierce Musar was an opportunity to speak about the church in Slovenia, democracy and peace in Europe.
During her visit, Burghardt met with Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia, and Ms. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, Speaker of the National Assembly. Both officials expressed deep gratitude for the Lutheran church's contributions to Slovenian society. Their discussions covered the current political situation in Slovenia, as well as broader issues of peace and democracy in Europe and across the world. They also affirmed the important public voice of the churches and their role in advocating for peace.
"I was grateful to learn that Reformation Day is a public holiday in Slovenia, underlining the importance of Lutheranism in the history of the country and the respect the people of Slovenia have for reformer Primož Trubar," said Burghardt. Trubar is considered a key figure in Slovenian history, not only for introducing the Reformation but also for authoring the first printed book in the Slovene language.
Bishop Leon Novak hosted the General Secretary throughout her visit, and she was accompanied by Rev. Arni Danielsson, LWF’s Head of Communication.
