DPCU represented at various ecumenical occasions in Latvia

On 28 August 2025, Father Dr. Augustinus Sander OSB, staff member of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity (DPCU) responsible for relations with Lutherans, took part in an academic conference at the Luther Academy in Riga. The theme of the international symposium was ‘Understanding the Present Time’. At the invitation of the retiring Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, Most Rev. Janis Vanags D.D., Father Augustinus gave a lecture on ‘The Catholicity of Lutheranism. A pre-confessional approach’.

Father Augustinus also attended the subsequent church celebrations as an official guest. On 29 August, Archbishop Vanags laid down his crozier on the altar of the Lutheran St. Mary’s Cathedral as a sign of his retirement after more than 32 years of episcopal service. The following day, his successor, Most Rev. Rinalds Grants, who had previously been auxiliary bishop in Riga, was enthroned as the new Archbishop of Riga and Latvia. In addition to the faithful and clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia, numerous representatives of international Lutheranism and further ecumenical guests took part in the festive ceremonies.

_{Photos: Ulda Muzikanta}