Friday, August 27, 2010
Church becomes a grave
In Osnabrück, a second church in Northern Germany can be used as an urn burial site. In the Church of Holy Family in the district of Schoelerberg initially up to 850 urns are to be located, the diocese said Thursday before the official opening by Bishop Franz-Josef Bode. Uniquely, the Church is to still be used as an ordinary parish church for worship. The number of seats was reduced by the conversion, however, from 220 to around 100 seats. In February in Hanover a church became a columbarium - the name for the unusual use of the converted church.
Part of church serves as mosque
Bron : une partie de l'église sert de mosquée pour les musulmans
Since 2006, the church of Saint-Etienne du Terraillon, Bron, welcomes on its premises Muslims who use part of premises for worship.
Cohabitation is unusual, but for those involved this is working very well. Father Yves Bernini church of Saint-Etienne Bron in Terraillon rents rooms behind the church building which Muslims use to pray.
Until 2006, Muslims around the leased premises and not confined to safety standards. The solution came to fruition with these rooms formerly dedicated to catechism. The pastor of the church has embraced his new tenants and he now enjoys friendly relations with Muslim leaders. At Christmas, the believers of both religions never fail to invite each other.
The situation will not drag on for long: an application for planning permission for a new mosque on the road to Genas, Bron, should be made this autumn.