Imagine a place without a steeple. This is Pax&People. It’s a church in Frankfurt’s Europaviertel, but not as you might expect. It’s a unique ecumenical center. It serves the people in a modern way.
Pax&People emerged from a simple idea. What if the Protestant and Catholic churches united? What if they went directly to the people? Not with traditional services, but with open arms.
The Europaviertel is home to many young people. They come from all over the world. Around 10000 people live here. Roughly 30000 people work nearby. This presents a challenge to the churches. How do they connect with these individuals? The answer was clear. They needed to collaborate.
In 2011, initial discussions began. The goal was an ecumenical center. For two years, Protestant pastor Katja Föhrenbach and Catholic pastoral worker Harald Stuntebeck planned their project. They wanted to use the ground floor of a residential building. Their aim was not to create a traditional parish. They sought to build a meeting place. A place for residents and employees.
The churches recognized a shift. Understanding of denominational differences was fading. Many societal challenges require a united front. City planning emphasizes social spaces. Different groups must collaborate locally. Pax & People represents a new approach. It reaches out to the younger generation. It engages those not typically found in traditional churches. The hope is that Pax & People will foster community. It will promote interaction among all people.
Föhrenbach and Stuntebeck spoke with residents. They visited local businesses. They held discussions in cafes. They asked about their desires for a local church. Many new Frankfurt residents lacked church ties. Yet, they desired a gathering place. A place to meet. A place to talk, cook, and share.
The theologians aim to connect the unchurched. They want to share the Christian message. They want to adapt to local lifestyles and daily routines. Traditional church services remain in established parishes. These include the Gallusviertel and the Kuhwaldsiedlung. Pax&People offers something different.
The center spans 130 square meters. It features an open community room. There is also a kitchen. A “light room” serves as a space for reflection. It stands as a bright cube at the center of it all.
Pax&People offers a varied program. It adapts to the needs of the community. Each morning, Monday through Friday, there is “Espresso and Silence.” This is a short devotion before work. There are weekly cooking sessions. Wednesdays are for meditation. Friday evenings feature cultural events. These include music, film, art, and literature. Tuesday evenings offer “1viertel/3viertel.” This is a short impulse. It covers ethical, religious, and political topics. It is followed by wine or beer. It provides a chance for discussion. There is also “Bible Soup” at a nearby Asian restaurant. A regular meeting is offered for those interested.
Pax&People is supported by several organizations. These include the Protestant city deanery. The Catholic city church of Frankfurt also supports it. The Diocese of Limburg contributes. Two foundations provide funding. The interior design and equipment cost 270000 euros.
Come and visit Pax&People. Regular opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Also, on Thursday afternoons. Additional opening hours are available for specific events. You can find details on the homepage. Pax&People is accessible by bus lines M46 and M64. Get off at the Römischer Ring stop. It is a place of peace. It offers a range of activities. Stop by. Look around. Listen. Discuss. Take time for reflection. It’s a church for the people.