EKD – The Evangelical Church in Germany
Hanover (OTS)
As in the years prior to the pandemic, the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany were today (May 21, 2022) before the DFB Cup final together with representatives of the German Football Association (DFB), fans and volunteers at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin on the topic “What Who matters in the field?” I celebrated ecumenical service.
In the thematic introduction, the EKD sports official, President Thorsten Latzel (Düsseldorf), said: “Football: means sporting competition, great passion and intense confrontations – especially in the DFB Cup final.” The Christian faith can help ensure that this happens in good spirit, on and off the field. As EKD’s sports representative, he is pleased that this special day will be celebrated with the fans of both teams: “We pray for the health of the players and for the fairness of the competition. May God bless all the people who participated in this final in different ways. Sport in such an open spirit is a true gift from God .especially in times of many other crises, I think it is important to share such experiences of fair and discretionary competition together. This game as well as the work of clubs in general: with worship, pastoral care and specials.”
Auxiliary Bishop Ludger Schippers (Essen), member of the Pastoral Committee of the German Episcopal Conference, spoke in his sermon about the importance of football: “Some people who are not interested in sports say: football is just a game. This is just a game. It is true and not true. We all certainly agree: football Of great social importance. Football moves and inspires a lot of people, not only those who play the sport, but also those who watch it as spectators on the field and through the media – passionate at that. Football brings people together across borders and cultures and has a great integrative power.” Assistant Bishop Schippers added that good preparation is also part of a successful game and noted the service reading: “But those who hope in the Lord receive new strength, like eagles grow wings. They run and never get tired, they walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). Assistant Bishop Schippers confirmed: “Anyone who feels more at home and never uses their strength at all can start again even after defeats. They can restart even after recovering from injuries. They can shake hands with an opponent after losing a match.”
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, as well as fan representatives from RB Leipzig and FC Freiburg, sports chaplains from EKD and the German Bishops’ Conference, worked on behalf of the German Football Association (DFB). Many football fans followed the call for ecumenical service.
note:
Sermon by Auxiliary Bishop Ludger Schippers below www.ekd.de/Gottesdienst-DFB-Pokalfinale can access.
Hanover, May 21, 2022
EKD press office
Karsten Split
This press release is sent simultaneously by the press offices of the EKD and the German Bishops’ Conference. We apologize for the multiple requests.
Media contact:
Karsten Split
The Evangelical Church in Germany
press office
liaison office
Herrenhauser Strasse 12
D-30419 Hannover
Tel: 0511-2796-269
Email: [email protected]
Original content from: EKD – The Evangelical Church in Germany, transmitted by aktuell news
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