Discussion on Innovative Plans for Historic Village Churches Held in Güstrow
In the picturesque region of Mecklenburg, Dr. Maria Pulkenat from the Center for Church Services Mecklenburg is leading the charge to reinvigorate church pedagogy. She emphasizes the urgent need for action as the number of church services in the region's churches decreases.
To address this issue, the Federal Association of Church Pedagogy is hosting an annual conference from 18 to 20 September at the Domgemeindehaus, Domplatz, Güstrow. This conference aims to explore how church buildings can be used and preserved in a changing society. It will feature dialogue with experts like Dr. Karin Berkemann, initiator of the Church Manifesto, and other leading figures in the church.
The Church Manifesto, published in 2024, has encouraged the work of the project group 'Village church - something's happening!'. This project, carried out by the organization Ev. Jugend Altena, aims to preserve and revitalize village churches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The manifesto highlights the architectural and cultural-historical, as well as socially significant role of church buildings and calls for a general societal discussion about their future.
The central pillar of the project is the platform 'sacris.de', a hub for ideas and networking. This platform reaches out to support and church building associations, as well as other initiatives. It offers a comprehensive database of churches, rectories, and parish barns with special uses, events, and formats. It also provides practical tips on visual and performing arts, film, cinema, and literature, and even includes dates for events of the North Church and nationwide events on the topic.
The platform offers an idea cloud for creative uses of churches and rectories, and event ideas and practical tips for creative projects. It also provides information on funding programs like 'Action Human - Meeting places'.
One of the model projects showcased on the platform is 'Village church mon amour', followed by 'Strong pieces. Touched and discussed', and the 'Spiritual summer'. These projects demonstrate innovative ways of using church spaces and engaging the community.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, approximately 16% of residents belong to a church congregation. With around 1000 churches and chapels in the region, there is a rich heritage waiting to be explored and preserved.
Accompanying workshops will offer encounters with treasures of church culture, East German church history, and church pedagogy. These workshops provide opportunities for individuals to delve deeper into the history and significance of these sacred spaces.
The conference and project 'Village church - something's happening!' are steps towards ensuring that these historical and culturally significant buildings continue to play a vital role in the region's community.
