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On the initiative of the Lithuanian Lutheran Church, the department of cultural heritage organized a round table discussion on 30 April in Dovilai, a small village in western Lithuania, once predominantly Lutheran. The participants arrived at a conclusion that the most acute issue was the problem of Lutheran places of burial which were no longer in use. Hand-made iron crosses, valuable monuments of culture and art, were an easy target to vandals and scrap metal collectors. Left unprotected these artifacts of cultural heritage would be lost. Protecting them against decay and rust was yet another problem.

It became clear in the course of discussion, that taking stock of what we have in these cemeteries was of vital importance. A data base of all hand-made crosses in these cemeteries would make the work of local municipalities much easier. A diversity of opinions emerged on this issue during the discussion as to what could be the most effective method of setting up such a data base.

It was suggested that it would be beneficial to set up a coordination centre, preferably in Klaipeda, which would organize and coordinate all the activities carried out in this sphere.

This was the first ever high-level gathering to discuss the Lutheran heritage in Lithuania with senior officials from local municipalities taking place. The discussion was chaired by Diana Varnaitė, head of the cultural heritage department.