A Landmark in Rome: Ordination of Pastor Heidi Lengler
A Landmark in Rome: Ordination of Pastor Heidi Lengler
A reflection by Pastor Māris Sants
On 7 September 2025 I had the privilege of visiting the Italian Lutheran Church in Rome for a momentous event: the ordination of Pastor Heidi Lengler. What makes this occasion truly historic is that she is the first Italian-speaking minister ordained by the Italian Lutheran Church (Chiesa Evangelica Luterana in Italia, CELI). Although there have been female ministers before, they were German-speaking; Heidi Lengler is the first born-and-raised Italian, ministering in the Italian language.
The ordination was conducted by the Dean of CELI, Rev. Carsten Gerdes, and I was present at the service, witnessing this defining moment. Pastor Lengler has been called to serve four congregations in Sicily, which means she will be responsible as Lutheran minister in that entire region — a historic first.
From my perspective, this is not only a major event in the history of the Italian Lutheran Church, but also a powerful signal to the wider Italian nation: that traditional, patriarchal roles within church leadership can be reconsidered, even reformed. For a minority church like the Lutheran community in Italy, this ordination sends a strong message about gender equality and inclusion in ministry.
During the ceremony, I had the honour of addressing the congregation with greetings from our Council of Lutheran Churches, and conveying congratulations from Bishop Paulina. This victory is one we all share: not only does it mark progress in the struggle for gender equality, but it is also a step forward for the gospel in Italy, making the good news more accessible through Italian voices and leadership.
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