First bishop of the Evangelical Church: Cornelia Richter elected

First bishop of the Evangelical Church: Cornelia Richter elected

Wien-Donaustadt, Österreich - On May 23, 2025, a historical step for the Evangelical Church A.B. In Austria: Cornelia Richter was voted the first bishop with an overwhelming majority. The election took place in Vienna-Donaustadt, and Richter received 64 out of 68 votes in the first ballot, which secured the necessary two-thirds majority. She was the only candidate and will take up her office on January 1, 2026. This will follow Michael Chalupka, who retires at the end of 2025.

Richter, who is 54 years old and comes from Bad Goisern, has a remarkable career in Protestant theology. After studying in Vienna and Munich, she worked as a lecturer in various cities, while she has been doing her professorship for dogmatics and religious philosophy at the University of Bonn since 2020. There she was also the first dean of the Faculty of Evangelical theological from 2020 to 2024 and has been chair of the University of Senate since 2024.

insights into your vision and goals

In her first speech after the election, judges said that the office of bishop cannot be sought like a professorship, but rather is based on trust. It sees the Evangelical Church as a lively community that can react flexibly to social changes. Their vision includes the proclamation of the gospel in traditional and new forms and emphasizing the diversity within the piety and parish types.

In addition, Richter plans to work as a holiday to reintroduce the Good Friday and wants to promote inter -religious dialogue. Bishop Michael Chalupka expressed full confidence in her skills and described her as a big win for the Protestant Christians in Austria. Synod President Ingrid Monjencs emphasizes the choice as a strong sign for women in management offices.

The role of women in the Evangelical Church

The appointment of Cornelia Richter is not only a milestone for the church, but also reflects changes within society. Evangelical women's work in Austria (EFA), which started in the emancipation movement of the early 20th century, has contributed significantly to strengthening the role of women in church and social areas. With the establishment of women's associations and numerous social initiatives, the EFA showed how significant the cooperation of women in the church is.

EFA promotes feminist theology and adult education and is committed to reflection on the life of women. This development is supported by programs such as the world prayer day of women and through projects that aim at interreligious dialogue. In recent years, the awareness of the gender equality has increased in the church, which is also reflected in the election of judges as a bishop. The commitment to the weak of society and the emphasis on partnership -based development cooperation are central aspects of EFA.

The choice of Cornelia Richter marks a significant progress for the Protestant community in Austria by sending the clear signal that women can and should take leaders in the church. Your term of office is eagerly awaited, as it is assumed that it is assuming new ways for the Evangelical Church a.B. and your members will open.