Church Leaders Visit “Kirche im Europa-Park” in Rust

Representatives from the Evangelical Church Berlin-Brandenburg-Schlesische Oberlausitz and the Evangelical Church in Baden recently visited the Europa-Park in Rust. The focus was on the unique “Kirche im Europa-Park,” which blends spirituality with leisure. Among the guests were Bishop Christian Stäblein and Regional Bishop Heike Springhart, who explored the longstanding partnership between the church and the park.

Exploring Spiritual Spaces

Jürgen Mack, the owner of Europa-Park, warmly welcomed the delegation. A guided tour through the Stabkirche and the park’s chapels offered the church leaders insights into the spiritual offerings. These spaces reflect the diverse expressions of lived faith nurtured within the theme park. The Nordic-inspired architecture of the Stabkirche and the serene chapels left a lasting impression on the visitors.

Engaging Dialogue Over Coffee

In a relaxed setting with coffee and pastries, a vibrant discussion unfolded. The church leaders conversed with Europa-Park representatives about their trusted, long-term collaboration. This exchange sparked fresh ideas and deepened understanding of their joint efforts, with the theme park serving as a unique platform for spiritual encounters.

Theme Park Fun and Digital Innovation

The guests enjoyed the diverse attractions at Europa-Park, captivated by the wide range of experiences offered. A highlight was their visit to the blue fire Dome, where they experienced “YULLBE GO,” an innovative virtual reality attraction. This encounter prompted a discussion about the potential use of digital technologies, such as virtual reality, in church work. The forward-thinking approaches generated significant interest and provided inspiring ideas for new ways to share faith.