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Honourable Mr President,
With millions of German citizens, we delight in your election! It is noteworthy that, in you, the nation has selected a pastor whose courageous action for human freedom contributed to the fall of the Berlin wall and the reunification of Germany. You saw this political engagement as an expression of your calling to proclaim the Christian gospel. Consequently, you have achieved recognition and won a high degree of trust that will aid in establishing moral force within this highest office of German democracy.
It was ten years ago in October that we were able to welcome Dr Johannes Rau, one of your predecessors as Bundespräsident, when he came to the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva. Similarly, we extend to you our eager invitation to visit the World Council of Churches. I would be very pleased to welcome you here.
With the greatest respect,
Olav Fykse Tveit
WCC general secretary