A new breath of fresh air in Cologne: Suyin Scheid-Henning ordained as a predicant!

A new breath of fresh air in Cologne: Suyin Scheid-Henning ordained as a predicant!

A fresh wind is blowing through the Protestant Johanneskirche in Cologne-Porz, where Suyin Scheid-Henning was ordained as a predicant on October 24, 2025. In a solemn service, superintendent Kerstin Herrenbrück joined Scheid-Henning's side and spoke the biblical encouragement from Isaiah 43:1: "Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine!" The event not only made it clear that Scheid-Henning would now pass on her gifts in the service of God and the community, but also that her own path there was marked by great personal significance.

Suyin Scheid-Henning, artist and lecturer, completed two years of training before taking this important step. Her childhood memories are vivid, characterized by dedicated religious education and saying the Lord's Prayer. Although her parents did not baptize her in order to give her the freedom to find her own path of faith, she felt a deep connection to religious topics even as a student. A formative walk to the monastery courtyard in Dünnwald with her father and the shared joy of Advent songs created an important foundation for her.

A path full of personal insights

At the age of 37, Scheid-Henning was baptized and thus found a spiritual home. Her mentor, Ingrid Kibilka, compared this journey of faith to a house that one slowly settles into. Two key experiences were particularly crucial for her decision to become a preacher: the design of Lenten devotions during the Corona period and the funeral service for her mother in 2021. With the words “Get up and go!” she heard Jesus' call, which accompanied her during her doubts. “Unexpected support from above” helped her take this path.

She was warmly welcomed into the community and the dedicated team around her made a new chapter in her life possible. Despite the rooms in their new “faith house” not being quite finished yet, the enthusiasm and commitment flows through the walls. Her ordination is viewed by the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland as a promising sign that is also close to the principles of the Barmen Theological Declaration, which has been the central theological orientation of the Confessing Church since 1934. This declaration fought against the appropriation of the Protestant Church by the National Socialist regime and to this day calls for a critical look at state influences in religious matters.

A look into history

The Barmen Theological Declaration, adopted by the Confessional Synod, is not only a historical document, but also a living part of Protestant identity. Most member churches of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) refer to this guide in their basic regulations. Among other things, it is common for pastors to be obliged to adhere to the Barmen Declaration when they are ordained, which underlines the relevance of these principles in today's world. The declaration actively defends itself against external influences and affirms faith as an individual and independent confession.

This is where the significance of Suyin Scheid-Henning's trial becomes apparent: it follows the tradition of resistance and personal responsibility that the Confessing Church developed in the face of National Socialism. While some of her ancestors within the church reacted rather ambivalently to these challenges, she represents a new generation that is committed to community and faith with clear convictions.

On the day of her ordination, the church's Thanksgiving decorations were humorously transformed into pumpkin soup, which was eaten together at the reception. In this way, the personal is combined with the common - a good omen for her work as a teacher, in which she can contribute her gifts with heart and commitment.

With her gown, described as her “liturgical self,” Suyin Scheid-Henning will make a visible sign of her commitment and faith in the community. The fresh wind in Cologne-Porz promises a fulfilling trip for everyone involved.

For further information about the background of the Barmen Theological Declaration and its significance in today's church, read more on the website EKD and the founding of the Confessing Church Time clicks.

Stay tuned as we continue to report on developments in our community and follow the events surrounding Suyin Scheid-Henning and her work.