2007 Kirchentag

The German Protestant Kirchentag: Cologne, 6^th-10^th June, 2007

Cologne is a remarkable city in North-West Germany.  Founded in the first century BC as military base for Roman armies it became a settlement for retired legionaries, a naval base for the Rhine Fleet and an important centre for the defence of the Empire’s northern frontier.  Today it is a Roman Catholic stronghold lying in the protestant heartland of northern Europe.  It will provide a notable setting for the Protestant Kirchentag in June this year.  The history of Cologne is bound up with the Cathedral, which houses the important relics of the bones of the “three kings” – encased in a large golden reliquary which dominates the distant view as soon as you go in.  In the Middle Ages this was a major focus of piety, with huge indulgences available for pilgrims who made the journey and paid up the money. No wonder Martin Luther made a public protest (and was thrown out of the cathedral by the tour guides of the day…).  The Catholic-Protestant balance is about 80%/20%, reflected in the fact that there are only 5 protestant churches in the city centre, to about 25 Catholic.  However, we have been assured of a warm welcome and there is good co-operation between the churches in preparation for the Kirchentag.

This year’s Kirchentag will focus on “the word of God” (which is “living and active and sharper (than any two-edged sword)”according to the Letter to the Hebrews).  Within this over-arching theme there will be three main emphases: Globalisation and its implications; Dialogue with Muslims (Cologne has the largest Turkish/Muslim community in Germany); Ecumenism – catholic/protestant dialogue in the context of world-wide Oekumene. These will run across the three “topic areas” which provide the framework for the huge and diverse programme of events (the printed programme-book runs to over 500 pages).  They are:

• “Humanity” will concentrate on the relevance of spirituality to human life.  A key feature will be the “Zentrum Liebe” exploring different aspects of love and human relationships. Also “Topic Hall of the Word”.
• “Community” will focus on life in Europe within the context of the global world, looking at migration, the prosperity gap, the generation gap and how to live successfully in community.  The “Topic Hall on Europe in the World” will bring together a wide-ranging programme of European issues.
• “World” will deal with global issues.  There will be a major focus on the Middle East with an emphasis on Iraq and Iran, but also featuring a “Bethlehem evening”  (Köln/Bethlehem partnership)

The Closing Service on Sunday, 10^th June, will be held in the open air on the Pollerwiesen, a large area on the east bank of the Rhine.  Around 100,000 worshippers are expected to share in a Communion service which will bring together many of the themes of the Kirchentag. 

The cost of this event is €79 (around £55) for individuals (€49 for students, pensioners and those with a disability) or €129 (just under £90) for a family ticket.  This covers entrance to all Kirchentag events, a copy of the programme book, a city map, and the official Kirchentag song-book, as well as unlimited travel during the Kirchentag on the Cologne public transport system. For a further €15 free bed and breakfast accommodation with a German household can be arranged.  Such accommodation is available from Tuesday – Monday for international visitors.  The organisers are aiming to have 10,000 private beds available, all within a maximum one hour travel distance – Cologne people are known for their warm hospitality and are well used to hosting large events (Karneval, Football World Cup, World Youth Day….)  There will also be 3 Camping Sites (“Campertreffen” – details on the Kirchentag website: http://www.kirchentag.de/ ).  The Tourist Office has arranged a special hotel package deal with direct bookings via a dedicated website. 

People from the Diocese of Oxford have been regular visitors to the Kirchentag over the years.  In 2007, Bishop Alan hopes to lead a group from across the diocese as he did to Hannover in 2005.  Cologne is amazingly accessible from southern England – so close by train that you don’t need to fly!  A return Eurostar ticket for those travelling in a group can cost as little as £40.  A knowledge of German is not essential (though it does help).  If you would like to know more, or book a place in the diocesan group, please contact Canon Tony Dickinson (tel. 01494 520676: e-mail tony.dickinson@oxford.anglican.org) as soon as possible.  The closing date for joining the group is 31^st March.