Moravian Church Settlements added to UNESCO World Heritage List

July 29th, 2024 | In The News

Written by The Northern Province Moravian Church in America

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; photo: Mike Riess, IBOC

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 Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church in America. “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. “

Structures in Gracehill, Northern Ireland. Photo courtesy of Gracehill Trust

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.

“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.”

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

Central Moravian Church shared this today: “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.

“Celebrate with all the Moravian Church Settlements (including already recognized Christiansfeld Moravian Church in Denmark) on Sunday, August 4th at 12 p.m. as we host a brief worship gathering. Using livestream, the pastors and lay leaders of Gracehill, Christiansfeld, and Herrnhut will join us in bringing greetings in this unique service. (Come to worship at 10 am. and then stay around for light refreshments and this service at 12 p.m.).” If you cannot join in person, you are invited to watch the livestream (link below). The recording will also be available at the link below for those who are unable to join in real time.

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.

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.

Christiansfeld, Denmark. Photo by Barry Gamble

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.”

You can learn more about Moravian Church Settlements at their new website here.

More information about the Moravian Church Settlements in German can be found here.

Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, PA. Photo: Mike Riess

Coverage of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, 26 July 2024

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