Austria, where free evangelical Christians represent less than 1% of the population, some of its churches are seeking new ways to present themselves to the authorities.

The Evangelical Alliance of Austria (EAÖ) has started an initiative to invite politicians into churches for a breakfast.

The diea, which they say has been inspired by Danish evangelical Christians, started in the Free Evangelical Church of Braunau, a northern town bordering with Germany.

A mayor, a member of the Austrian parliament and two other politicians accepted the invitation to spend a morning with the leadership of the evangelical church. There was a guided tour through the church building and later a breakfast. “The politicians were amazed at the facilities, including the sports hall, kitchen and youth centre, which are particularly suitable for children’s and youth events”, said Oliver Stozek, secretary general of the Austrian Evangelical Alliance, who welcomed the guests alongside the pastor of the church.

“A playgroup for small children is organised once a week. In addition, the vision of a kindergarten is still present, as there is a great need for it. After the tour of the church building with its café area and large foyer, the guests, including pastors from free churches in the Innviertel region, were invited to breakfast”, Stozek further explained.

During breakfast, a time for questions and answers was opened, and the Christian faith, active participation in church services, and social work were discussed. The politicians had the chance to learn details about the free evangelical churches in Austria and their vision.

Better knowledge of each other and prayer

The aim of this effort is for political representatives “to get to know the free churches better”, said the leader of the Evangelical Alliance.

“The free churches are not an ‘import’ from abroad, as is often mistakenly assumed, but we go back to the Anabaptist movement from the 16th century, which was active throughout Austria and also in the Innviertel region”, he said.

The Evangelical Alliance wants to build relationships with those representing citizens in the political sphere, but also to “pray for politicians in particular, because we are also called upon to do this in the Bible, the Word of God”.

The EAÖ concluded: “At a time when there is a lot of criticism of others, especially politicians, we as Christians and as church communities want to set an example and pray for all people”.