Friendlier Employment Policies for All: EKHNintentions New Law for Non-Christians
Chance for Non-Christians: EKHN Plans to Introduce Novel Employment Legislation for Non-Christian Workers - Encouraging Inclusivity towards Non-Christians: EKHN Proposes Modification in Labour Legislation
The Synod of the Protestant Church in Hessen and Nassau, known as EKHN, is pushing for a change in their employment law. This shift aims to welcome employees of all religious affiliations, or lack thereof! A new law is expected to pass this fall, following the conclusion of EKHN's spring conference in Frankfurt.
Previously, the EKHN's employment law mandated that employees must belong to a Christian church. However, it's been a common practice for non-Christians and those of no faith to work in Protestant kindergartens, hospitals, and other facilities. Up until now, this has only been possible through an exception clause, which will no longer be necessary once the new law is enacted. Employees should, however, "demonstrate a sense of devotion to the principles of the Protestant Church."
At the spring conference, EKHN also decided to form a "Working Group for Diversity Sensitivity and Discrimination Critique," with the goal of cultivating a church that is diverse, welcoming, and free from discrimination.
The church parliaments of the Protestant Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW) and the EKHN have been having a simultaneous meeting since Thursday. As expected, the election of Pope Leo XIV was a hot topic. As white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on Thursday, the synod members took a break to watch the live stream, eventually including the new pope in their evening prayer.
What the EKHN Hopes for from the new Pope
Evangelical Christians in Hessen are hoping that the new Pope will foster unity between different denominations, a movement known as ecumenism. "We hope he will champion ecumenism," stated Christiane Tietz, president of the EKHN, the day after the election of the new head of the Catholic Church.
Evangelical Christians aspire to be acknowledged as "brothers and sisters in faith" by the Catholic Church, said EKHN president Birgit Pfeiffer. "I would hope that together we take on our shared responsibility as Christians in today's society," she emphasized. "We have numerous common challenges and much mutual responsibility."
While information about Pope Leo XIV's stance on ecumenism may not be readily available, we can look to the ecumenical efforts and legacy of Pope Francis as a possible indication. Known for his practical ecumenism, Pope Francis emphasized shared mission and service over doctrinal agreement during his tenure. He engaged in dialogues and collaborations with various Christian denominations to promote unity and cooperation, embodying a spirit of humility and shared Christian values.
The new law, expected to pass this fall, will amend the Community policy of EKHN to allow employees of all religious affiliations or lack thereof, as part of its aim for friendlier employment policies. The EKHN also established a Working Group for Diversity Sensitivity and Discrimination Critique, aiming to cultivate a church that is diverse, welcoming, and free from discrimination, which aligns with their employment policy objectives.
Moreover, Evangelical Christians in Hessen have expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected pope, would foster unity between different denominations, such as the Evangelical Church and the Catholic Church, through ecumenism, a movement that aligns with the business goals of promoting diversity and inclusion.
