Moravian Church Settlements added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Four Moravian Church settlements around the globe are now recognized as “of outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

That recognition came on Friday, July 26, as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee announced the addition of Moravian Church Settlements to their prestigious World Heritage List at meetings in New Delhi, India. This follows a decades-long, international effort to gain recognition for these historic settlements.

Herrnhut, Germany

The historic Moravian Church Settlements of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania/USA; Gracehill, Northern Ireland/UK; and Herrnhut, Germany joined Christiansfeld, Denmark (already inscribed in 2015) as a single World Heritage site that represents the outstanding universal value of these historic settlements and the worldwide influence of the Moravian Church.  This collective recognition underscores the global importance of the Moravian heritage, celebrating its unique cultural and historical contributions from the 18th century.

“I think this amazing recognition speaks to the ongoing life of the Moravian Church,” said the Rev. David Bennett, president of the Northern Province Provincial Elders’ Conference. “While these sites were established more than 275 years ago, they remain vibrant and active centers of our Moravian faith tradition today. It is a testament to the Moravian Church’s ongoing historic, cultural, and most importantly, spiritual contributions to the world.

“We are excited by this acknowledgement of our important and even sacred history and the opportunities this UNESCO inscription will bring for the Moravian Church around the globe. “

A transnational nomination

This is the first Transnational, Serial Nomination put forth by the United States and is the result of a decades-long effort among Bethlehem Area Moravians, Central Moravian Church, City of Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Moravian University, and with the support of Northampton County and others. The U.S. delegation combined their efforts with Moravians in Herrnhut, Gracehill and Christiansfeld to help bring this inscription to fruition.

Congregations from all four newly-named UNESCO World Heritage sites joined in a transnational worship service.

“Our community has long cherished and preserved Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem, and we are honored to receive this global recognition,” declared Mayor Reynolds. “The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a profound testament to the unmatched historical and cultural significance of Bethlehem and the enduring legacy of the Moravian Church.”

“We extend our deepest gratitude to all those whose passion and unwavering support have been instrumental in our efforts and have played a crucial role in reaching this momentous milestone,” added Mayor Reynolds. “We also recognize the Office of International Affairs of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the World Heritage Committee for affirming the cultural significance of these sites.”

“We celebrate this transnational partnership and recognition of Moravians in three distinct areas of the world, joined with the already existing World Heritage site of Christiansfeld Moravian Church in Denmark,” wrote Janel Rice, pastor of Central Moravian Church. “Central is thrilled to be recognized not only for our historic buildings, but that this designation specifically notes our historic and ongoing substantial contributions to community building, a charge that we take very seriously in our faith tradition and a goal of welcoming more visitors to our buildings, seeing how we can provide loving hospitality and community building in our 21st century Bethlehem.

“As an active and vibrant Moravian faith community in Bethlehem for over 282 years, we are thrilled to be recognized for the ways that our buildings and ministries significantly contribute to community building in serving the common good for all God’s children.”

Christiansfeld, Denmark

“This honor is not just for Central,” continued Janel. “It is truly for all our Moravian Churches in America that draw from our shared heritage, and we hope that this celebration and designation can be noted and shared.  We also recognize the strong ties of the Moravian Unity across the world, and the dedication and work of the Rev. Dr. Jorgen Boytler, Rev. Drs. Peter and Jill Vogt (Herrnhut) and Rt. Rev. Sarah Groves (Gracehill).”

On August 4, members in all four Moravian Settlements joined in a transnational worship service.  Each congregation shared music, scripture and reflections over Zoom to celebrate this expanded yet combined community.

On October 16 and 17, representatives from Gracehill, Christiansfeld, Bethlehem and Herrnhut will join government officials and others in Bethlehem for official ceremonies and celebrations around the UNESCO World Heritage inscription.  A worship service will be held at Central to mark the occasion.

Joining iconic landmarks

With this UNESCO inscription, Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem becomes the 26th site in the United States to receive this honor. Other celebrated U.S. World Heritage Sites include iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty. Globally, we’re in the same prestigious company as the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Egypt.

Moravian settlement buildings in Gracehill, Northern Ireland

With its intact core of original buildings, Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem preserves some of the most important structures and sites relating to the Moravians in the New World and is significant as an outstanding example of Moravian architecture and town planning. The settlement played a key role in both the international and American Moravian communities.

It stands as a reflection of and tribute to the resilience of a community built on universal human ideals that are essential and relevant to this day. Moravian Church Settlements – Bethlehem preserves and advances the ageless values of education, equality, industry, integrity and spirituality that have been part of the community since 1741.

A World Heritage Site is a physical location—whether cultural, natural, or a combination of both—designated by the World Heritage Committee and included on the World Heritage List. To achieve this status, a site must demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, meet stringent requirements for authenticity and integrity, and fulfill at least one of the ten criteria established by the committee. The Moravian Church Settlements fell under the following criteria: “Exhibiting a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or a civilization that is either living or has disappeared” and “Serving as an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates significant stages in human history.”

Members of the Moravian Church Settlements delegation at the World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India in July (from left) are Jean Manes, U.S. Deputy Representative to UNESCO; Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds; Johnathan Putnam, Acting Chief, Office of International Affairs National Park Service; Rt. Rev. Chris Giesler; and Mr. Conrad Clemens, Saxon State Minister of the Chancellery. Bryon Grigsby, Moravian University President and Shelia Clennon, wife of the late Bishop Hopeton Clennon, were also in attendance.

You can learn more about the Moravian Church Settlements at their new website, www.moravianchurchsettlements.org.