A Christian and a Lawyer?

There is no question mark on the publicity or program for a conference organized in Kassel (Germany) by the Association of Christian Lawyers (“Christ und Jurist”) which gathers lawyers, for the most part from Germany, who are from different Christian churches. 

The group embodies a common commitment that also leaves room for varying expressions: to discover how to live one’s own life of faith, and to be faithful to this commitment also in professional life.

University professors, judges, lawyers, public officials and students gathered to exchange ideas and witness to a set of profound choices.  To give just one example, one lawyer left a lucrative practice in order to dedicate his time to serve the legal needs of recent migrants.  All participants shared the conviction that judicial chambers and legal officers are excellent places to joyfully live out their faith commitments, even when this means swimming against the tide. 

Workshops and presentations during the conference also faced challenging questions such as how to maintain one’s own religious identity while at the same time welcoming those who arrive from other parts of the world, perhaps with different perspectives or convictions. 

Strong commitments to justice were also evidenced in descriptions of work in East Africa, where various projects help to sustain the work of young lawyers in their defense of poor prisoners who have been unjustly incarcerated.

A representative from Indonesia shared examples of those who risk their lives in the fight for justice, and felt sustained by the group’s concern and shared commitment.

Lively conversations, deep relationships and fruitful exchange were the marks of an experience that will not be limited to the conference setting, but that will continue throughout the year, opening new perspectives.

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