New Social Forms in the Church Context
The two major Christian denominations in Germany are undergoing a massive process of dissolution. This is not being forced from the outside; believers are leaving the church of their own free will. And so, the possible end of the largest cultural institution is being decided by a vote with their feet. This erosion, however, pertains to the institutional structure rather than to lived practice. Thus, it is conceivable that Christian principles could be reimagined and lived out in the central buildings of cities and villages.
Open Ends explores the forms of community that emerge from the new, sometimes hybrid programs for sacred buildings that were previously used exclusively for religious purposes. A different type of church, one that no longer relies solely on membership but thrives on the temporary participation of diverse individuals?
With contributions by Thomas Erne, Matthias Hamann (photo essay), Karl-Heinz Hörning, Hans Joas, Kerstin Menzel, Claudia Neu, Detlef Pollack, Andrée Volkmann (comics), and others.
