26.10.2023

Becoming an Inclusive Church

Grosshans teaches at the protestant faculty of theology at the University of Munster. Photo by: HKBP

Ephorus Rev. Dr. Robinson Butarbutar (2nd from right), Church Leader of the HKBP and Vice Moderator of the UEM, awarded Prof. Grosshans (3rd from right) with an Ulos, a traditional fabric of the Batak. Photo by: HKBP

The HKBP* is Indonesia's largest evangelical church. It runs several educational institutions where it trains deaconesses, Bible women and teachers for service in its congregations. As part of its diverse educational programme, the HKBP has invited Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Grosshans to give a series of lectures this year. He is a lecturer in systematic theology, philosophy of religion and ecumenical theology at the University of Münster, Germany.

In his lectures on "Inclusive Ecclesiology (Church Science)", Grosshans emphasised the potential of the HKBP and other churches to actively work for an inclusive society and to create inclusive spaces themselves: "That involves working with women as well as with people with disabilities, with children or with nature around us."

He gave lectures at the theological institutions of HKBP, the Jakarta Theological and Philosophical College, the Christian Teachers' School in Sipoholon, the Deaconesses' School in Balige, the Bible Women's School in Laguboti and the parish conference attended by 2004 HKBP pastors in Jetun Silangit.

The UEM supported his trip abroad, the HKBP hosted him as their guest and provided for his accommodation and food.

*HKBP = Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (Christian-Protestant Church of the Batak)