* May 16, 1944 in Wittenberge; † September 9, 2024 in Berlin

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into sickles. Micah 4

The Evangelical Preachers' Seminary in Wittenberg mourns the loss of its former colleague and long-time director of studies, Friedrich Schorlemmer. From 1978 to 1992, Friedrich Schorlemmer was director of studies and thus teacher for many aspiring pastors at the Wittenberg Preachers' Seminary. He influenced many with his basic attitude of doing "theology for others" and thus never remaining confined to church issues. For him, the issues of society were always also issues of theology, faith and the church. His sermons in the Castle and City Church in Wittenberg bore eloquent witness to this. Based on a deeply rooted faith, he became involved in the city's society and far beyond through the preachers' seminary, in discussion groups, environmental groups and also in politics.

As a preacher, we remember him as "eloquent". He believed in the "power of the word" and, as a pacifist, detested any kind of warlike conflict.
In the prayers for peace in the castle church, he repeatedly called for a renunciation of violence. He challenged his students in the preachers' seminary to discover the effect of language and to be eloquent.

Firmly grounded in the biblical texts and the language of Martin Luther, he trusted in the power of the right word at the right time.
As head of studies at the preachers' seminary, he was responsible for the prayers for renewal in the castle church in the fall of 1989 and was also the contact person for the free press.
He also underlined the word with signs. The most famous sign during an evening prayer was the forging of a sword into a plowshare, which took place in the Lutherhof, where the preachers' seminary was located at the time. The action was accompanied by constant words that, supported by the action, had a prophetic effect.
We thank God for the blessed work of Friedrich Schorlemmer. May he now see what he believed: Peace be with you, among the people of his good pleasure.
We express our sincere condolences to his family and all those close to him.
The college at the Evangelical Preachers' Seminary in Wittenberg
The Evangelical Castle Church Congregation in Wittenberg