The Anglican Church in Berlin
The Anglican Church in Berlin is one of around a dozen Anglican churches in Germany. These form part of the Archdeaconry of Germany and Northern Europe, itself one of seven archdeaconries in the Diocese in Europe.
The Diocese in Europe is itself actually a Diocese of the Church of England rather than a separate entity within the Anglican Communion. It is geographically the largest Anglican diocese in the world. Its jurisdiction includes the whole of Europe and the territory of the former Soviet Union.
The Anglican Church in Berlin provides two English-language services on a Sunday. The morning service (10.30am) is at St George’s in Preussenallee, not far from the large Grunewald Forest. The evening service (6.00pm) is at Marienkirche in the centre. That service is managed by the same clergy team, and supports an English-language congregation, but the church itself is actually part of the Evangelical Church in Germany.
St George’s has an interesting history. It was built in the 19th century on a different site in Berlin and was later destroyed in an Allied bombing raid in the Second World War. A new church was built on its current site in 1950. At that time it was the garrison church of the British army during the Allied occupation of Berlin. It reverted to civilian control in1994. That explains the large number of regimental badges (I counted 84) inside the church, mostly fixed at either end of each pew in the form of shields.
The minister of the church is Rev Christopher Jage-Bowler, for many years the area dean for Germany, who is interested in inter-faith dialogue, and who started the Pastors v Imams inter-faith football match which has been played in Berlin since 2006.
The church is part of the Churches for Ceasefire movement. It has a Bronze Eco Church Award and a policy on being a Green Church. Also its website describes the church as ‘inclusive.’ So, lots to like there.
As for the service that I attended: this was the Eucharist from Common Worship, with some sung responses. The choir, which was not robed, stands largely invisible in the gallery at the back of the church, next to the organ. The congregation numbered almost a hundred. Hymns were from Ancient & Modern. The service lasted about 90 minutes.
One of the most important things about a church is its people. In this church, everyone seemed to know and like each other. The giving of the peace was quite extended. Also the website extends a welcome to newcomers. So I was surprised when no one said hello to me either before or after the service. But it is always easier to talk to people you know.