Zurich. “It does me good to know that my predecessor is here. It brings me special joy that our retired Chief Apostle Fehr is feeling better again.” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider had invited both of his predecessors in ministry to Zurich. He had done so in order to bid an official farewell to his immediate predecessor, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber—who retired on Pentecost Sunday of this year—from the head office of the Church.

A Chief Apostle of the New Apostolic Church is always headquartered in Zurich. This is where the head office of the New Apostolic Church International is located. For eight years, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber had his office here. His successor, the current Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider, bid him farewell with words of joy and gratitude in the circle of the employees of the head office.

“I feel at ease in my retirement”

In an emotional address, the previous Chief Apostle Leber expressed his gratitude for the wonderful cooperation and support he had received over the past eight years. He related that he is really feeling at ease in his retirement and enjoying the divine services in his home congregation. His former employees presented him with a little gift and, forming a choir of their own, performed four songs for him.

It was wonderful that Chief Apostle Fehr and his wife were also able to participate in the reception. After a rather lengthy period of illness, which unfortunately prevented him from participating in the Pentecost service in Hamburg, the former Church leader is now recovering visibly. “I was simply happy to enjoy this conversation with my Chief Apostles. It was a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, not least of all because Chief Apostle Fehr has lost nothing of his fine humour,” summarised the host.

Richard Fehr was Chief Apostle of the New Apostolic Church from 1988 to 2005, and Wilhelm Leber occupied the same post from 2005 to 2013. Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider has carried this ministry since Pentecost of this year.