Henny Willemsen and Cor Dam

My and our Dutch friends Henny Willemsen and Cor Dam have established close contacts with the St. Elisabeth community in Arnstadt since 1987: Peace, justice, and preservation of creation have been the key themes of the ecumenical process of the churches. These themes continue to be relevant in our society today.

On Laetare Sunday 1990, they were allowed to enter Arnstadt for the first time, after being denied entry during the time of the German reunification on October 3, 1989. For many years, we have discussed, lived, and celebrated together in our church communities - experiencing true friendship.

On Laetare Sunday 1993, the two of them, along with their dog Max, set off from Bussum near Amsterdam to Santiago de Compostela - and reached their great goal in July 1993.

And since 1999 - after a slide show presentation about their journey in Arnstadt - I have had the strong desire to follow in their footsteps: in remembrance, in friendship, and in connection.