Moravian Church Settlements Inscribed on World Heritage List
- The Moravian Church Settlements, representing historical Moravian communities, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Mayor J. William Reynolds announced this prestigious recognition on behalf of the historic settlements.
- This addition to the heritage list aims to highlight and preserve the cultural and historical significance of these communities.
NEW DELHI—In a significant cultural achievement, J. William Reynolds, Mayor of Bethlehem and Chair of the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission, announced that the Moravian Church Settlements have been officially inscribed on the World Heritage List. This announcement was made during the World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi from July 21-31, 2024, representing a collective recognition of the historical importance of these sites. The newly inscribed sites include Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Gracehill in Northern Ireland; and Herrnhut in Germany, which now join Christiansfeld, Denmark—previously inscribed in 2015. Together, these locations exemplify the outstanding universal value of the Moravian Church's historical settlements and their global influence, highlighting the rich heritage of this Protestant denomination. The Moravian Church, rooted in the free church tradition, was founded in Herrnhut, Saxony, Germany. The extension of the World Heritage designation emphasizes the unique characteristics of each settlement, particularly Gracehill, which was established in 1759. The town's layout, divided into distinct areas for men and women, reflects the foundational principles of Moravian society and its communal lifestyle. For further details, the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission has launched a dedicated website, moravianchurchsettlements.org, to provide more information about the significance of these historic sites and their contributions to cultural heritage.