Grafinger pastor calls: "Endure each other!"

Created: 02/14/2022, 14:42

By: Josef Ametsbichler

"You're not bad just because you don't get vaccinated": Grafing's evangelical pastor Axel Kajnath initiated an ecumenical service in Grafing on Monday evening;

Motto: "Come to your senses".

The Corona protest walkers should feel addressed by this, but also the counter-demonstrators and others.

© Stefan Rossmann

"Come to your senses" was the motto of an ecumenical prayer planned for Monday evening in Grafing.

Start in front of the evangelical church: directly after the Corona protest walks.

Axel Kajnath (65), a Protestant pastor, explains how he intends to deal with the impending division in society.

Pastor Kajnath, a service on Monday at 7 p.m. for peace and reconciliation in society.

At that time, “corona walkers” and counter-demonstrators were out and about in Grafing.

The date isn't chosen randomly, is it?

No of course not.

Everyone who feels addressed should be welcome to come.

We, the Evangelical Church Council and our Catholic colleagues, are not against anything with this event.

We want to promote respectful and mindful cooperation in our democratic society.

Getting out of the confrontational right and wrong, good and bad.

So you would not speak of a counter-event to the Corona "walks".

No.

It is an invitation given the situation, which is of course particularly present in Grafing on Monday evening.

We wanted to find a solution that doesn't consist of accusingly facing each other on two different sides of the street.

The feedback so far has also been quite positive.

“Come to your senses” – who are you addressing with this appeal?

That already includes: Stop for a moment and think about how you treat each other.

One can and must have different opinions.

For example with the question: Should I be vaccinated or not?

If you come to a different conclusion, I have to respect that.

Of course, the appeal is aimed at the “walkers”: don’t just do this in a confrontational way, but also with the concern that we are and want to remain one society.

But also to others.

You speak from two sides.

Do you notice the much-cited division of society in Grafing?

In the family environment, people do suffer.

For example, it was difficult for some to celebrate Christmas together because relatives did not want to be vaccinated.

Is there a middle way?

Between the majority of society that accepts measures such as vaccination and the small part that refuses?

I don't know what is right and wrong.

I have made my decision: I have had myself vaccinated and given boosters and I have noticed that this makes it much easier for me to deal with it.

It is my contribution to protect others as well.

Most people do, too - for good reasons.

There are different motives for those who don't.

I think it is nonsense to present government measures as dictatorial and depriving of liberty.

We live in a democratic society whose decisions I have to honor and respect.

If a hodgepodge of people develops who are only against it or even bring in radical right-wing ideas, I've reached my limit.

So, conversely, are there people you can talk to?

Of course, there are also members of the congregation who don't get vaccinated, but deal with it responsibly.

For example, by currently preferring to stay at home.

I respect that.

Or those who take part in walks because the impending obligation to vaccinate hurts them.

Your community has positioned itself for vaccination.

We have repeatedly offered vaccination campaigns, support that, yes.

The next for children aged five and over is next Sunday, February 20th.

Incidentally, the ecumenical reflection service can also become a regular offer.

Are you addressing vaccination to protect others?

Maybe on the edge.

That's not the main message.

What do you say at such a devotion?

How do you bring people to their senses?

We sing a lot together – Taizé songs.

"What is the reason that sustains my life?": Whether vaccinated or not, my life is in God's hands.

We'll bring in Bible quotes: "Bear with one another!" - "Pursue peace!" It's not always easy, so let's turn to God.

Also with intercessions for people who are ill, who are afraid of being infected, who are under heavy economic strain, for the nurses and the doctors... That is very important to us.

What should people take home?

Trying to understand the position or decision of the other.

There's a lot of emotion in that area.

With rational arguments it is difficult, especially for us laypeople.

I also depend on what doctors tell me and have to draw my own conclusions from that.

But this competition is not good: you are not bad just because you don't get vaccinated.

What role does faith play in the pandemic?

We have noticed how our supposed security is reaching its limits.

We are vulnerable creatures.

In our community, too, people became infected and were more or less seriously ill.

Faith gives me the feeling: I am carried and held in God's hands.

That gives me a certain serenity.

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