Leuenberg Agreement

The Leuenberg Agreement creates fellowship among Protestant denominations.

The Leuenberg Agreement acknowledges a common bond between various Protestant Christian denominations. Thirty-five churches signed the original agreement in 1973. Since that time, more churches have joined the fellowship and today the number of churches exceeds 100.

Protestant Reformation

During the 16th century, religious leaders in Germany and England formed a movement to protest against the Catholic Church. The reformation gave rise to the Protestant denominations of Christianity, including the Church of England and the Lutheran Church.

1973

In 1973, over 40 representatives from Reformed, Lutheran and United churches met in Leuenberg, Switzerland to sign an agreement that acknowledged a common understanding of the gospel and created a fellowship amongst the denominations. Among the topics covered in the agreement are baptism, the practice of preaching, celebrating the Lord's supper and the belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God.

Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe

Churches that adopt the Leuenberg Agreement become part of the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE). Originally named the Leuenberg Church Fellowship, the CPCE includes a variety of denominations such as Reformed, Evangelical and Methodist. Churches from Eastern Europe and even Latin America have also signed the agreement.

References

• Schools History: The Protestant Reformation
• World Council Of Churches: Community Of Protestant Churches In Europe: Leuenberg Church Fellowship
• Community Of Protestant Churches In Europe: The Signatory Churches Of The Leuenberg Agreement
• Community Of Protestant Churches In Europe: Agreement Between Reformation Churches in Europe (The Leuenberg Agreement)
• Semper Reformanda: A History Of The Leuenberg Agreement