A Deanery of Germany initiative six week Lenten Study 2026

Building on the Racial Justice Conference theme: Hopemakers: from Hostility to Hospitality

The Venerable Dr Leslie Nathaniel, (Archdeacon of the East and Archdeacon of Germany and Northern Europe as well as Chair of the Diocesan Racial Justice Working Group) introduces this valuable resource:

As we journey through the sacred season of Lent, you are warmly invited to join an Online Lenten Study Programme on the theme “Hopemakers: From Hostility to Hospitality,” a timely and deeply relevant exploration of Christian discipleship in a world marked by division and fear. 

In a global context increasingly shaped by racial exclusion, prejudice, and hostility towards the ‘other,’ this study invites us to reflect on the Gospel call to repentance, reconciliation, and radical welcome. Through Scripture, prayer, and shared reflection, we will discern how God calls us to confront racism, dismantle barriers of exclusion, and become communities of hospitality, healing, and hope. 

You are invited to join us every Wednesday during Lent at 8:00 pm Central European Time as we together seek to embody Christ’s reconciling love and become authentic Hopemakers in our churches and societies. 

Bible studies can be awesome! Scripture certainly is not always easy to understand. It uses language and symbolism that are rooted in cultures and times very different from our own. These Lenten Bible Studies are designed in such a way that a group leader does not need to know everything. A structure is provided on the last page of  this document with appropriate guidance. The role of a group leader is to enable participants to explore questions as clearly and thoughtfully as possible. Group leaders can of course prepare a few questions or very short comments to ease the group discussions. 

This Study is a follow up event of the Racial Justice Conferences, and has been prepared within the Deanery of Germany with named resource persons. It is to be held via ZOOM in the German Deanery, but it is open to all who are interested across the Diocese and elsewhere.  It would be wonderful if the participants could join in as many sessions as possible. 

For Registration and Zoom Link kindly write to: racialjusticeconference@gmail.com

Those who wish to use the material in other chaplaincies, deaneries or archdeaconries are free to do so, and free to adapt the material appropriately.   

Friends let us through these Bible Studies, that can also be used at times other than Lent, seek to take our place in the story of Jesus´ love and salvation. And even when we sometimes end up with more questions than answers, we can be confident that God is in our midst, drawing us closer, and offering us the renewal and strength to advance in faith.