Arbeitsgemeinschaft – Was die Gesellschaft zusammenhält und die Kirchen zusammenbringt

Abstract

In this article, ecumenical cooperation is examined on the basis of statements of the sociologist Richard Sennett regarding the term cooperation, exemplifying this using the case of the Working Group of Christian Churches in Baden-Württemberg. Parallels to social and political movements are discussed. Whereas in most countries, national Ecumenical Councils have been founded, the Germans have taken another route in founding the Ecumenical Working Groups. The author discerns here a preference for a more practical, power balancing and synergetic, and less theoretical or political approach. Thus, the ecumenical work in Baden-Württemberg is practical and oriented towards the grass roots, and demonstrates the fact that in Germany there are not only the two main denominations, but also a multitude of member churches.