The Christian Community

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The Christian Community (German: Die Christengemeinschaft) is a worldwide Movement for Religious Renewal. It was founded in 1922 in Switzerland by the Lutheran theologian and minister Friedrich Rittelmeyer, inspired by Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian mystic and founder of Anthroposophy. Christian Community Congregations exist as financially independent groups with regional and international administrative bodies overseeing their work. There are approximately 350 worldwide. The international headquarters are in Berlin, Germany.

The Christian Community is led by the 'circle of priests', with leaders appointed within the circle: a first coordinator (the Erzoberlenker). The Erzoberlenker is consulted by two second coordinators (the Oberlenkers). There are also third coordinators on the regional level (Lenkers) and a Synod of priests. There is no additional ordination for the leadership. The priesthood of the Christian Community has always been open to women.

[edit] Beliefs

The Christian Community celebrates the Eucharist, which it calls 'The Act of Consecration of Man'.

There are six other sacraments; Baptism , Confirmation , Marriage , The Last Anointing , Sacramental Consultation and the Sacrament of Ordination.

It takes whole of the New Testament and especially the four gospels as its inspiration. There is an extensive literature within the Community which supports these.