Lutheran Church Superintendent murdered in Germany

by | Jun 27, 2014

Superintendent Christoph Scherling.

ELKiB Superintendent Christoph Schorling.

GERMANY – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Baden (ELKiB) has reported the sad news that Rev. Christoph Schorling was murdered June 24, 2014. Rev. Schorling was Superintendent over the seven municipalities of Baden, and served as pastor of congregations in Pforzheim and Freiburg.

Rev. Schorling was stabbed to death in his rectory by a man suffering from mental illness to whom Rev. Schorling had often provided pastoral care. The suspect has since been apprehended. Rev. Schorling leaves behind a wife, three grown children, and several grandchildren.

“We cannot understand how it came to this terrible act,” ELKiB Bishop Jochen Cornelius-Bundschuh said, “and we bring our bewilderment before God.” He continued: “Pastor Schorling was a regular guest at our synodical meetings. We felt very connected to him always and will miss him painfully.”

Prior to entering the ELKiB, Rev. Schorling previously served as a pastor in the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) in Germany, a member of the International Lutheran Council (ILC). SELK Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt—who also serves as ILC Chairman—expressed condolences upon hearing the news of his death. “Superintendent Christoph Schorling died while fulfilling his ministry in pastoral care and diaconia,” Bishop Voigt reflected. “His love for all people led him to his final steps, and so he follows in the way of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Pastor Schorling’s faithful service becomes for me an example to emulate in my own ministry.”

“We grieve over the loss of Pastor Schorling,” he continued, “and we keep his family and loved ones in prayer. May God grant them comfort through Jesus Christ in this difficult time.”

The ELKiB is a partner-church of SELK. It is is a member-church of the Lutheran World Federation, though not a state church in Germany nor part of the Evangelical Church in Germany.

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By Mathew Block

Mathew Block is Communications Manager for the International Lutheran Council. He is also editor of The Canadian Lutheran magazine, and formerly served as Communications Manager for Lutheran Church–Canada.

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