The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia (LELB), Archbishop Jānis Vanags who has decided to retire soon, wants his successor to be someone who better understands modern times and the people living in them, as Vanags confirmed in an interview to Latvijas Radio.
He explained he is part of the generation that witnessed the Soviet and Awakening era, so he doesn’t really understand young people any more, especially considering that he has not been in charge of the congregation for 30 years. “I think that one practical pastor who has served a living, good church for decades, met different generations, knows the people of this time better than I do,” said Vanags, adding that he will not try to influence his successor to make sure he follows his footsteps or implements some of Vanags’ unrealised ideas.
He refrained from answering the question as to which person he would like to see as the next LELB archbishop.
All he said is that as archbishop of the church he has introduced many good brothers that could perform the duties of the archbishop as good as him.
When asked if he would like to see his assistant, Rinalds Grants, as his successor, Vanags said he is definitely one of the candidates, and that he is well-prepared.
Vanags decided to retire. This means the Lutheran Church will need to elect a new head of the church, as reported by Latvijas Avīze.
Vanags has been in charge of LELB for 30 years. The Church’s Constitution states that a bishop can retire once he reaches the age of 65. At the age of 70, on the other hand, the bishop is required to retire. Vanags was born in 1956. On the 25th of May 2023 he turned 65.
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