Anmerkungen zum presbyterial-synodalen Verständnis der Kirchenordnung der Evangelischen Kirche von Westfalen

For the Protestant Church of Westphalia the presbyterial-synodal principle is decisive. This principle is subject to historical change and theological discussions. Currently, the relationship between the presbyterial and synodal level and the understanding of the congregation are controversial. The essay presents diverging views on the relationship between the two levels and examines the understanding inherent in the Westphalian church order itself. Practical theological criticism is then applied to the actual parochial-synodal order, in which the presbyterial element is not filled by diverse forms of congregation, but solely by the parish.