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The tenth edition provides strong impetus and attracts hundreds of visitors
tenth Darmstadt Night of Churches on Friday with a moving closing service in the city church . Around 250 people gathered around midnight for the ecumenical service, which featured music performed by a choir under the direction of regional cantor Jorin Sandau and city church cantor Christian Roß .
Pastor Ilka Friedrich (Evangelical Deanery) and Pastor Michael Mainka (Working Group of Christian Churches, ACK) jointly delivered a dialogue sermon on the theme "But: Believe ." The event was moderated by Clemens Bittlinger , pastor for mission and ecumenism, who also played a key role in its organization.
16 churches, music, theatre and discussions
At 16 locations in the city center, church congregations, groups, and initiatives offered a diverse program including music, devotions, readings, workshops, discussions, and pastoral care. Many visitors took advantage of the opportunity to travel between the locations on foot or by bicycle.
A highlight was the moving performance "Peace Moves" by the Protestant Youth, commemorating the Darmstadt firebombing. On Kapellplatz, church groups and the regional Diaconal Service distributed free soup at the "Dinner for All." Inside the city church, the Darmstadt Singing School delighted the audience with the musical "Tuishi Pamoja ," while the tower offered a panoramic view of the city.
In the other churches, the musical program ranged from rock classics and Taizé chants to jazz choirs, organ music, harp sounds, and gospel. Performers included the DOOR Project , the ensemble "Heilix Blechle , Soli 7 , the Amazing Grace Choir , the Graumann Duo , and many other groups.
Dialogue, pastoral care, and a rave church service
Numerous pastoral care institutions, such as hospice services , emergency chaplaincy , and bereavement support , presented their work. A rave service featuring Christian techno music in the Church of Our Lady attracted attention. Despite a protest, the event took place – supported by the Holy Cross parish, the Darmstadt-Mitte pastoral region, and the General Vicariate of the Diocese of Mainz.
Around campfires, pub quizzes, and in conversation, people engaged in meaningful exchange – for example, at the Luther booth in front of St. Martin's Church or in the churchyard of St. Elisabeth. Although a detailed evaluation is still pending, the organizers expressed their complete satisfaction. "This night provided profound insights and demonstrated how vibrant and diverse faith is today," said Mainka and Bittlinger.
(DARMSTADT – RED/ack)
Featured image: Image from the Night of the Churches, June 13th, St. John's Church, DOOR project. Photo: ACK
