The chair of the Evangelical Alliance of Austria (EAÖ), Hans Widmann handed over his role to Andrea Sturm-Lauter, who had already been elected by the Executive Committee, at its recent Council meeting, attended by over a hundred guests.

This is the first time a woman will lead the evangelical entity in Austria.

The 48-year-old has been a member of the EAÖ’s executive committee for three years. She holds degrees in music, education, theology and psychosocial counselling.

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Sturm-Lauter is a member of the Federation of Evangelical Churches (BEG) and served there for many years as a pastoral assistant.

“Andrea Sturm-Lauter has the ability to look far ahead whilst remaining firmly grounded. She has an excellent network of contacts both nationally and internationally, thinks strategically and with analytical clarity, and draws strength from a spiritual depth that provides guidance”, said Oliver Stozek, EAÖ General Secretary.

The Executive Committee also paid tribute to Widmann, for his over eleven years “of service and the significant contribution he has made over the years to unity within the Evangelical Alliance and to Christian fellowship in Austria”.

A Code of Ethics that redefines cooperation

In addition to the change in leadership, the EAÖ adopted a revised Code of Ethics to “respond to current challenges in Christian cooperation, including issues of protection against violence, media responsibility, data protection and financial integrity”.

The new version of the Code “deliberately emphasises relationships and culture”, and it aims “not only to provide guidance, but also to strengthen a culture in which responsibility, respect, trust, accountability and commitment are consciously practised”, explains the Executive Committee.

Personnel, policy and unity

At the end of the Council meeting, the Austrian Evangelical Alliance also took decisions regarding personnel and policy matters, with the election of two new members, Paul Austerhuber and Miriam Gerhardter, to the Executive Committee.

Furthermore, Dr Felix Böllmann gave a presentation on the importance of unity in the socio-political sphere; followed by a question-and-answer session.

“With the change of chairmanship, the new code of ethics and further personnel decisions, we have laid important foundations to ensure that unity, responsibility and trusting cooperation can flourish even more effectively in the future”, concluded the EAÖ.