Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria
The Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria (Evangelische Kirche Augsburgischen Bekenntnisses in Österreich) is a Lutheran denomination in Austria. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, which it joined in 1947. It is also a member of the World Council of Churches, the Conference of European Churches and the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe as well as the Conference of Churches on the Rhine.
| Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria | |
|---|---|
| Evangelische Kirche Augsburgischen Bekenntnisses in Österreich | |
.JPG) The Lutheran Church in Vienna | |
| Classification | Protestant |
| Orientation | Lutheran |
| Polity | presbyteral-synodal[1] |
| Bishop | Michael Chalupka |
| Associations | Lutheran World Federation, World Council of Churches, Conference of European Churches, Community of Protestant Churches in Europe |
| Region | Austria |
| Headquarters | Vienna, Austria |
| Origin | 16th century |
| Separated from | Catholic Church |
| Congregations | 191 [2] |
| Members | 244,583 (2023)[2] |
| Official website | https://evang.at/ |
Structure
editThe Protestant Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria is headed by a bishop – currently Michael Chalupka. The church consists of seven dioceses, each headed by a superintendent. These superintendencies are broadly aligned territorially with the federal states of the Republic of Austria.
| Diocese | Founded | Cathedral | Superintendent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of Burgenland | 1924 | Resurrection Church (Eisenstadt) | Robert Jonischkeit (2021– ) |
| Diocese of Carinthia and East Tyrol | 1947 | Church in Stadtpark (Villach) | Manfred Sauer (2002– ) |
| Diocese of Lower Austria | 1947 | St Pölten Parish church (Sankt Pölten) | Lars Müller-Marienburg (2016– ) |
| Diocese of Upper Austria | 1783 | Martin Luther Church (Linz) | Gerold Lehner (2005– ) |
| Diocese of Salzburg and Tyrol | 1966 | Christchurch (Innsbruck) | Olivier Dantine (2012– ) |
| Diocese of Styria | 1947 | Heilandskirche (Graz) | Wolfgang Rehner (2018– ) |
| Diocese of Vienna | 1783 | Lutheran City Church (Vienna) | Matthias Geist (2018– ) |
Social issues
editSince 2009, the Protestant Church in Austria has been an advocate of gay rights and endorsed the introduction of civil partnerships for same-sex couples.[3] Additionally, the church permits and supports blessing services for same-sex couples to celebrate their civil union.[4]
References
edit- ^ "Protestants in Austria". evang.at. Protestant Church in Austria. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ a b "Facts & Figures". evang.at. Protestant Church in Austria. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ "Resolution betreffend gleichgeschlechtlicher Partnerschaften" (PDF). evang.at. Evangelical Church in Austria. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
- ^ "Segnung von homosexuellen Paaren" (PDF). evang.at. Evangelical Church in Austria. Retrieved April 17, 2016.
External links
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