Churches struggle with corona rules

The joy of many believers is great: After about seven weeks, they can celebrate the service together live again. However, there is a problem: The strict safety requirements to protect against infection with Covid-19 cannot be implemented in all churches.

Fürstenfeldbruck - Evangelical Dean Markus Ambrosy assumes that for the time being only about half of the congregations of his denomination can hold worship services. His Catholic counterpart Martin Bickl is already thinking about alternatives. Even in the parish of Fürstenfeld by Otto Gäng, worship is only celebrated in the cloister church at the weekend. And here only with prior notification - so that you can follow the infection chain if necessary.

The Diocese of Munich-Freising, in cooperation with the state government, has published a protection concept that is basically transferable to all religious communities. The requirements include a minimum distance of two meters at all times, the obligatory covering of the mouth and nose and if possible no singing. That could still be implemented. But when it comes to the regulations regarding the distance, it is mainly the small churches that are in trouble. Example Puch: According to the new hygiene regulations, only twelve believers would fit in there. "We're all running around with a ruler," reports Evangelical Dean Markus Ambrosy.

Security rule

There is another safety rule because of Corona: ten meters between Liturg and the first row of seats (in all directions). For the time being, therefore, no Protestant services would be possible in Puchheim, Olching and Maisach. Markus Ambrosy also clearly states that one should not hold a service on bending and breaking. Dignity must be preserved. Pre-registration is out of the question for him. Would it have been better to wait a little longer?

At any rate, Ambrosy is convinced: "The church has survived worse than not being able to offer church services for a quarter of a year." He was aware that visiting the church was also important for many people in order to maintain social contacts. But in the current situation, the social distance is more manifest. "After the church service, everyone has to go home and can't talk to anyone." That makes you feel even more that nothing is going normally. For this reason, church services broadcast on the Internet were a really good alternative for Ambrosy. And this was just as well received.

It is being tinkered

Even with the Catholics, the pastors are still tinkering with their respective protection concepts. It is a logistical challenge, for example, stands for disinfectants must be procured.

The Catholic Dean Martin Bickl will celebrate the service next Sunday in his parish church in Eichenau. Then 45 people fit in there. And the believers must also register there beforehand. Communion is not distributed.

Bickl is also aware that it may be problematic in some smaller churches in the district. Especially when there are no side aisles. "I am already thinking about other options, such as open-air services." A minimum distance of 1.50 meters and a maximum of 50 people apply here, according to Bickl.

Pastor Otto Gäng also knows that you are still far away from everyday life. He wants to start everything up slowly. The services in the monastery church are a test run, which is even practiced beforehand. Then you see further.