Frankfurt, Germany: Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, expressed appreciation and gratitude for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI in a letter to the Nuncio of the Holy See in Berlin, Archbishop Jean-Claude Périsset.

The text of the letter follows:

Your Excellency, dear Archbishop Périsset,

It was with surprise and concern that I received the news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. I deeply respect this decision, which Pope Benedict XVI has taken out of concern for the Church and the Church’s witness and ministry to the world.

In The United Methodist Church, we greatly appreciate the contribution that Pope Benedict XVI has made. His commitment to bringing the invitation of the Christian faith to a largely secular society and his profoundly theological teaching on Christ’s nature and works deserves deep respect and acknowledgement. Please convey the thanks and blessings of The United Methodist Church to His Holiness.

The almost 50 years of dialogue between the World Methodist Council and the Roman Catholic Church have furthered the understanding of your church among the members of The United Methodist Church in Germany and all over the world, and have sharpened our awareness that there is far more which unites us than divides us. You may be assured that our prayers are with you at this time of preparation for the election of a successor in the office of St. Peter.

Respectfully yours in Christ,

Bishop Rosemarie Wenner

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