How is this connection between music and faith achieved in such a secular context?
It is only in churches in Uruguay that you can hear organ concerts, which is already an attraction. The appeal is multifaceted. We play traditional church music—although I prefer not to call it sacred music—but we also blend it with other types of music; we have even done jazz concerts. This attracts different audiences. The concerts are also part of our diaconal branch, a service we offer from a cultural perspective, providing a clear interpretation of German and Lutheran culture, for example, through the music of Bach.
In addition to the concerts, what are the key activities of the congregation and how do they relate to the church’s role in society?
We have the normal activities of a congregation: worship services, Bible studies, activities for young people and children. We also have a strong diaconal unit with a children’s home, a home for adults and a nursing home in Montevideo. We work ecumenically in all these areas, including concerts.
You mentioned that it is a ‘port church’. Do you still serve the German-speaking community?
Yes, we do. While the use of the German language has declined significantly in Montevideo today, in Punta del Este, a hundred percent of the activities are in German, because there are still many Germans arriving who do not speak Spanish. That is why it is important to always have a pastor who can speak the language, because although the congregation is based on German Lutheranism, language and culture act as a bridge in a context where there is no direct communication with the state on religious issues.
You have been deeply involved in interfaith and social dialogue. What is this interaction like in Uruguay?
Interreligious and ecumenical dialogue with Jews, Catholics and with other Protestants is very common, and I would say familiar, always with the respect that all traditions deserve. We are always at the same table. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, we sat down with the president to see how we could improve relations with people at the time of lockdown. We are always called upon for issues that have to do with life in society.
Recently, the church has been at the forefront of two important milestones, hasn’t it?
Yes, during my tenure there have been two very important milestones: the Montevideo congregation being declared a National Historic Monument and the Prayer for the Nation initiative. In a conversation with the city’s Roman Catholic cardinal, I proposed saying a prayer for the nation. We did this with both the previous Blanco party government and the current Frente Amplio coalition party government, and in both cases, the presidents attended. State authorities were very receptive, because at no point was it confused with an Argentine Te Deum, which is a high-level religious thanksgiving ceremony for the nation. Here, it is simply a matter of putting ourselves on the same level as a part of the institutions of our society. This seems likely to continue to be a tradition every time a president is elected, which makes me happy.
