This is a book about the High Church movement in the German Lutheran Churches, particularly about its two major branches, the Church Union and the movement of Berneuchen and related groups. After a short introduction into the situation of German Lutheranism after World War I and a brief outline of the history of these two related groups, the study focuses on the Eucharistic liturgies both movements produced. After a detailed analysis of both Eucharistic rites, not only their mutual relation but their influence on the official liturgies of the Lutheran and United Churches are discussed. This book is a complete novelty in English since both movements are frequently regarded as fringe groups and then are virtually unknown in the English speaking world. Short biographies of their founders Hansen, Heiler and Ritter are also added as well as literature (though the latter is mainly in German). This is a brief, but completely study for everybody interested in 20th century liturgical movments.
