Professor Nobert Lammert, President of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany visited St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, 14 October, as part of his official visit to Australia. Accompanied by a parliamentary and diplomatic delegation, including newly-appointed German Ambassador to Canberra, Dr Anna Prinz, the delegation met with German-born Dean of Melbourne, Dr Andreas Loewe.
In welcoming Prof. Lammert, Dr Loewe highlighted the positive relationships between Australia and Germany and the vibrant nature of the German expatriate community in Melbourne. The President and his entourage lit candles and paused for silent prayer for peace in our world in the Cathedral. Later, in a private conversation, the Dean briefed Prof. Lammert on the current challenges faced by the refugee crisis, the church’s opposition to current Australian refugee offshore processing and the positive action taken by the churches to fully welcome refugees.