On the eve of CSD Berlin Pride, Christian, Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters celebrated a joint service in Berlin's St. Mary's Church. Guests from the partner UCC New York churches were also present. Activists from Ghana and from the human rights organization Equalizer PostOst described the situation of queer people in their countries of origin. Click here for the picture gallery.

Those attending the service found the sermon by Berlin writer Nora Bossong particularly impressive. The author referred to the Gospel of John (John 15: 9-17) and emphasized the importance of friendships. "We must celebrate friendships," said Bossong, "We seek God in relationships, for He is beyond our understanding and yet always among us." Nora Bossong did not ignore the hostility that people who love are exposed to. "When we are rejected in our way of loving, it hits us at our core."  

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner enriched the service with a greeting. Berlin is a city of freedom, where people can live and love as they please. "That's why there must be no room for discrimination, violence and intolerance here," Wegner emphasized.  The CSD service is an encouraging signal to the public, especially in these difficult times.  

The service was broadcast - you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/UrdKsdmdHGE  

Photo gallery