2012 is not only the year of the London Olympics and the 50th
anniversary of the Beatles’ final concert in the Star-Club in Hamburg,
it is also the 400th anniversary of the founding of the ‘English Church’
in Hamburg: the first legally established Anglican Church in Europe
outside the British Isles, and the first non-Lutheran church to be
permitted religious freedom within the city walls of the Free and
Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
To claim to be the oldest or first of anything in Europe is always
fraught with the risk of challenges but we make the claim above in
italics and await counter claims!
It was in the interests of trade,
something so precious to the lifeblood of the Hnase that religious
principles can be put aside, a contract was made in 1611 between the
Senate and the English overseas traders guild, the Merchant Adventurers,
permitting the founding of an Anglican church in Hamburg.
The Senate
even provided a building.
The first sermon was preached by the Revd John
Wing in January 1612 setting a precendent for religious freedom.
The 400th anniversary of this event provides a significant
opportunity for celebration. the congregation of St Thomas Becket, which
nowadays comprises a host of nationalities including many Germans, is
using this opportunity to engage with a wider community of people in
Hambury and further afield to strengthen the fellowship of its members,
and promote the mission of the church.
A year-long celebration series of
events is being planned for the whole of 2012 with activities ranging
from concerts to dance, from art exhibitions to walks and talks. Further
information can be found on the website www.stbecket400.de
The organisers would like to make this more than just a celebration
of St Thomas Becket Church in Hamburg, and invite other Diocese in
Europe Anglican Churches to contribute their history to our celebration
as a celebration of the Anglican Church in Europe.
A publication is
planned to include articles from as many churches as possible,
especially those with a trading connection. If you are willing to
contribute or would like to know more please email stb400@stbecket.de
All visitors will be sepcially welcomed with more information
appearing on the website during the course of 2011. Wilkommen in
Hamburg.