Zurich. Interested representatives from newspapers, Internet magazines, news agencies, and other churches came to participate in the press conference with retired Chief Apostle Richard Fehr and the new international leader of the Church, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber. The press conference took place in the Congress Centre of the New Apostolic Church International in Zurich.

After Church spokesman Peter Johanning had welcomed the guests, both chief apostles gave a brief address to the public. Richard Fehr, retired since Pentecost Sunday, looked back on the past 44 years - that was how long he had been a minister of the New Apostolic Church. He explained that the world had not only changed in a societal or technical context, but also in relationship to faith. As chief apostle he had flown around the earth 75 times and visited 118 countries in 120 trips outside of Europe. His uppermost goal had always been to reinforce unity of faith.

He took some time to talk about two special highlights of his long time in office: first he recalled the moment when he knelt before his predecessor, Chief Apostle Hans Urwyler, in order to receive the chief apostle ministry. He also mentioned the council of Apostolic denominations that he had been permitted to host five years ago in Zurich.

Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber stated three goals that would comprise the main thrust of his activity: His first special concern was the spiritual well being of all members of the New Apostolic Church. In addition he too would seek to support and cultivate the oneness in the circle of the apostles. And third, he considered it important to continue pursuing the developments that had already been set into motion with courage and determination. His motto for the time ahead was: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (see Romans 12: 21).

Following the presentations of both chief apostles there was plenty of time for the guests to ask questions. Both retired Chief Apostle Richard Fehr and Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber remained on hand to respond.

Read the speeches of retired Chief Apostle Fehr and Chief Apostle Leber here.

A summary of the press conference will follow shortly in the form of an audio file.