Do not be discouraged. Stand united as a community. Stay strong—for love. These were the core messages of the interfaith worship service held on the eve of Berlin’s Pride celebrations. It was a truly uplifting and empowering event, celebrated by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim believers together in the beautifully rainbow-lit St. Mary’s Church (St. Marienkirche), accompanied by the powerful music of U.S. artist Wyn Starks (https://www.wynstarks.com/), who paused his European tour just to attend this special occasion.

Julia Helmke, Berlin’s new General Superintendent, described her participation in the Pride worship service—just her second day in office—as a matter close to her heart. “There are many hostilities against queer people,” she said in an interview with rbb, Berlin-Brandenburg’s public television broadcaster, “but that goes against our faith, which holds that people are unique and diverse—and want to be.” She emphasized that the church must raise its voice in response. This was echoed by Bishop Stäblein and Berlin Senator Cansel Kiziltepe, who both stressed that protecting and strengthening minority rights can no longer be taken for granted. “Society must be courageous and stand in solidarity,” the senator urged.

The approximately 200 attendees found the service deeply enriching, especially the sermons contributed by members of the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as the report on the situation of queer people in the United States, delivered by members of UCC New York—the partner church of the Berlin City Center Church District (KKBS).

The Pride worship service sent a powerful message to the city and continues to establish itself as a permanent fixture in Berlin’s public calendar—a moment that offers encouragement to the queer community in particular. Encouragement, blessing, and the affirmation that nothing is stronger than love.

Wyn Starks’s powerful anthem “Who I Am,” with its strong message of identity and self-acceptance, perfectly echoed the spirit of the service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8S1bjR-dGI&list=RDg8S1bjR-dGI&start_radio=1  

Photo Gallery from the Pride Worship Service