Kirsten Fehrs

Kirsten Fehrs is a German Lutheran bishop who served as the presiding bishop of the North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church from 2012 to 2023. She was the first woman to lead this regional church body, which encompasses the northern German states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Fehrs is known for her commitment to ecumenism, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, particularly with the Jewish community in Germany.

Early life and education

Kirsten Fehrs was born on March 25, 1959, in Hamburg, then part of West Germany. She grew up in the city's Eimsbüttel district and was confirmed in the Evangelical Church in Germany. After completing her Abitur, she studied Protestant theology at the University of Hamburg and the University of Heidelberg. Her theological education was influenced by prominent figures in dialectical theology and she completed her vicariate in the church district of Norderstedt.

Ecclesiastical career

Fehrs was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany in 1987. She initially served in parish ministry in Bad Oldesloe before taking on a role as a student chaplain in Lübeck. In 1995, she moved to Schleswig-Holstein to become the personal assistant to Bishop Karl Ludwig Kohlwage. She later served as the head of the press and information office for the North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 2004, she was appointed provost of the Hamburg-West/Schleswig-Holstein South church district, a senior leadership position. In 2011, she was elected bishop, succeeding Maria Jepsen, and was formally installed in a ceremony at St. Peter's Church in Hamburg in early 2012.

Positions and views

As bishop, Fehrs was a vocal advocate for refugee rights, often speaking on behalf of asylum seekers arriving in Germany during the European migrant crisis. She actively promoted closer ties with the Roman Catholic Church, engaging in dialogues with the Archdiocese of Hamburg and participating in events like the Ecumenical Church Day. Fehrs placed strong emphasis on Christian-Jewish relations, working with organizations like the Central Council of Jews in Germany and commemorating events such as Kristallnacht. She also supported the reform of church structures, the full inclusion of LGBT individuals, and the church's role in addressing climate change, aligning with initiatives like the Fridays for Future movement. Her tenure included navigating the church's response to the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse.

Personal life

Kirsten Fehrs is married to a fellow pastor, and the couple has two children. She is known to be an avid reader of contemporary literature and enjoys hiking in the Lüneburg Heath. Since concluding her term as bishop in October 2023, she remains active in theological circles and ecumenical commissions.

Publications

Fehrs has authored and contributed to numerous theological works and essays. Her publications often focus on pastoral leadership, ecumenical dialogue, and social ethics. Notable works include contributions to the volume *"Kirche der Freiheit"* (Church of Freedom) and the essay collection *"Glaube in der Öffentlichkeit"* (Faith in the Public Sphere). She has also written extensively for church periodicals like *"Zeitzeichen"* and the official publications of the Evangelical Church in Germany.

Category:1959 births Category:Living people Category:German Lutheran bishops Category:People from Hamburg Category:University of Hamburg alumni Category:University of Heidelberg alumni