No one can say what it will look like in a few months in Frankfurt, in Germany and in the rest of the world. Will we again be able to attend concerts, party in clubs and cheer live at sporting events? Or will there still be massive restrictions in the coming year? All this is unclear - what is clear, however, is that the 3rd Ecumenical Church Congress in Frankfurt am Main will definitely take place. Even if it cannot be held on the large scale planned. For the representatives of the Ecumenical Kirchentag and the city there are many good reasons to hold the Kirchentag despite possible restrictions and special challenges.
"The city of Frankfurt am Main stands by its word and will actively support the planned Kirchentag as agreed," emphasizes Mayor and Church Department Head Uwe Becker. "Especially in difficult times, it is important that we stand united and in solidarity. The Corona crisis makes it clear that only together with mutual respect and support do we have a chance to overcome the crisis."
Exactly how the Kirchentag can take place under the changed circumstances will be worked out first. Plans include a number of different events that can be held together at a distance, as well as a number of digital offerings. The Kirchentag will be visible in the city as well as in Germany and worldwide. The message "Take a look" will be at the heart of the Festival of Faith. With questions of faith as well as with current burning issues such as racism, climate change, social justice and the future of democracy, different formats will offer the opportunity to look and discuss them together.
Becker affirms: "Frankfurt stands for a diverse and peaceful coexistence and has always been a place of discourse about the future of society in our country. The Ecumenical Church Congress is an outstanding event that brings people together and inspires them. Our international and cosmopolitan city offers a suitable framework for dialogue between Christian denominations as well as between religions and networking with the urban society. In a time of looking the other way, looking at social developments and discussing necessary changes in our actions are of particular importance."
It is possible that the Ecumenical Church Day will also have to plan many events flexibly due to the Corona crisis and always adapt them to the current situation. The responsibility for all participants as well as the population always have top priority and the different concepts will be adjusted accordingly in coordination with the health department.
The 3rd Ecumenical Church Congress will take place in Frankfurt from 12 to 16 May 2021. Organizers are the German Protestant Kirchentag (DEKT) and the Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK). After 2003 in Berlin and 2010 in Munich, the Ecumenical Church Congress 2021 will take place for the third time.
