President lauds Lutheran Church on 273rd Anniversary in Guyana
President David Granger on Sunday last joined with the leaders and congregation of the Ebenezer Lutheran Church in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), to observe the quincentenary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the World or ‘Reformation Sunday’.
The Head of State posited that the Church must be “commended for its longevity and the continuity of its work in Guyana, including its work in educating the nation’s children.”
President David Granger greets those who observed the Lutheran Church’s 273rd Anniversary on Sunday
“The Lutheran Church’s expansion of membership from 1875 marked a period of acculturation. There are, today, 14 parishes and more than 50 congregations in Demerara and Berbice. I wish all success to the activities that the Church will launch in the coming twelve months, to commemorate the commencement of the Protestant Reformation. I encourage the Church to continue to be dedicated to its mission of promoting religious understanding during the coming year.”
He noted too that this church body is the oldest in Guyana, being introduced by a Dutch planter in 1743. Referencing a historical account, the President reminded that it was the 1763 Berbice Revolt of enslaved Africans that led to the Church being relocated to New Amsterdam, which remains the home of Lutheranism in Guyana.
Regional Chairman David Armogan noted the “significant contributions” the Church has made in Guyana’s development.
“Lutherans in Guyana have played an important role in Guyana over the years, as the President said, in education. Your church has worked very closely in many communities of our country, especially among the poor and depressed communities, bringing hope to many people who would have lost hope; and bring faith where faith is not present. Continue to do the good work that you have been doing in our country,” he encouraged member during his presentation.
At the event, it was explained that the Protestant Reformation was a movement which birthed after Martin Luther had challenged the Roman Catholic Church. Those present were also told that Luther, on October 31, 1517, had nailed one of his 95 theses, ‘The Power and Efficacy of Indulgences’ on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony in Germany.
This was said to have brought “significant change” in Christian doctrine since the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
