Cologne –
Locked doors at Easter – a gruesome idea for the church in Cologne. But after Chancellor Angela Merkel’s apology, things don’t have to go that far. The churches can celebrate Easter with the concepts that have been tried and tested for around a year.
The head of the diocese administration, Vicar General Markus Hofmann, emphasizes: “Already at Christmas we pursued the goal of protecting the health of the faithful and at the same time enabling them to participate in public services, which are central to their religious practice.” The parishes in the Archdiocese of Cologne could therefore also hold the Easter liturgies on Easter days under the known conditions and would be encouraged to do so according to their possibilities.
“We are planning everything as usual,” confirms city dean Robert Kleine. Not everything can take place to the usual extent, he says in an overview up to Easter vigil. The procession on Palm Sunday from the Minoritenkirche to the cathedral had to be the same as in the previous year. The ritual washing of feet on Maundy Thursday is also a victim of the pandemic. But Kleine does not promise a reduction for the trade fairs.
Protestants make offers “close to people”
The city superintendent of the Evangelical Church in Cologne and the region, Bernhard Seiger, assures: “We will make offers in all parishes during Holy Week and at Easter services that are close to the people.” Proven digital formats would take place that ensure safe participation enabled from home. “But face-to-face services are still offered. The hygiene concepts of last year have proven themselves very well thanks to the careful implementation and adaptation of the communities to current and local conditions. “
But there is no general rule like in the Catholic Church: “The principle still applies that in the Evangelical Church the respective governing bodies decide what is the right offer for their congregation.” Many congregations offer both forms of accompaniment and the celebration. “I am convinced that our communities are very conscious of their responsibility. I very much hope that all Cologne residents will behave in a disciplined manner in their personal lifestyle and that the rules of distance will be adhered to, ”says Seiger.
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