Thousands of pictures and beer mats against racism

Koblenz – “The idea grew out of the current political situation in the world and out of concern that racism is continuing to grow here in Germany too,” says Christopher Hoffmann, pastoral officer in the Rhein-Wied deanery, explaining how the Diocese of Trier’s youth campaign “Wir gegen Rassismus” came about. In the run-up to the federal election on 24 September, the campaign team is calling on people to take a stand against racism with a photo.

“We want to show that the church stands up for a colourful and compassionate society, and we hope many people will join in,” explains the pastoral worker from Neuwied. “We are using Facebook and Instagram for that,” adds Paulina Zentner from Münstermaifeld, who supports the team as a volunteer. Social media makes it easier to reach interested people beyond the region. “We have already won over supporters from other dioceses,” Christopher says.

The group is out and about offline as well. “We also want to draw attention to our campaign with beer mats, in places where you might not expect the church — in pubs, for example.” Six thousand beer mats have been printed, showing the campaign logo designed by Lukas Kurpjuhn.

The aim of the campaign is a photo collage for which people have their picture taken regardless of religion, gender, background or age. “People show their face against racism, and the logo is recreated as a mosaic,” is how pastoral officer Elisabeth Zenner from the Maifeld-Untermosel deanery describes the idea behind the pictures.

Anyone aged 14 and over can take part, but there are standards in place so that each person’s image rights are respected. The team — made up of members of the Rhein-Wied, Koblenz and Maifeld-Untermosel deaneries, the Fachstelle Plus for children’s and youth ministry in Koblenz, and young people — looked closely at data protection rules beforehand. “Now we are hoping for many partners inside and outside the church,” says Judith Klinkner, pastoral officer in the Koblenz deanery, inviting people to join in.

With the campaign as a whole, the team wants to raise awareness of xenophobia. “We and everyone taking part are showing that racism has no place here,” Paulina explains, adding: “Racism fundamentally contradicts being a Christian.” Prominent supporter Bishop Dr Stephan Ackermann agrees. He is taking part too. His statement can be found on Facebook and Instagram and reads: “I am against racism because all people are children of God.”

Planning for the photo campaign and for the action day with bands and public figures on the afternoon of Friday 8 September on Luisenplatz in Neuwied has been under way since April. Here the organisers want to take a stand on the ground. “We are also planning an exhibition of the pictures once the campaign ends,” the young pastoral officer says, looking to the near future.

Individuals are invited to take part, as are groups such as altar servers, school classes, confirmation candidates and (sports) clubs. “Anyone can join in, whatever their denomination,” Christopher sums up.

More information about the campaign and how to get involved is available at www.wir-gegen-rassismus.de, by email to wirgegenrassismus(at)bistum-trier.de and on Facebook and Instagram.

(jf)

Read the original article on the website of the Diocese of Trier