Peace service in Koblenz: Bishop Ackermann calls for prayers!

Peace service in Koblenz: Bishop Ackermann calls for prayers!

On June 16, 2025, Bishop Stephan Ackermann reiterated the importance of prayer for peace in the St. Castor Basilica in Koblenz. In front of around 110 Bundeswehr soldiers from the Koblenz, Lahnstein, Diez, Daun, Gerolstein, Büchel and Mayen locations, he emphasized that the peace service was a welcome break in the often hectic everyday life, especially in uncertain times. “It's good to come to your senses,” emphasized Ackermann and asked whether such services don't seem helpless in view of the current political situation. But he saw the power of prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit as a crucial source of new ideas and comfort in difficult times, because human reason often reaches its limits.

The trombone quartet of the Koblenz Army Music Corps provided the musical accompaniment to the service, supported by organist Lorenz Höß. After the Holy Mass, the soldiers had the opportunity to talk to Ackermann, which was seen as a great appreciation of their service. The motto of the military chaplaincy “Church with, with and for soldiers” came to life on this day in lively discussion and community.

View of the Holy Land

Bishop Ackermann is not only committed to peace in Germany. He will also represent the German Bishops' Conference at the 19th International Bishops' Meeting in the Holy Land, which will take place from January 12th to 17th. The conference aims to strengthen the global Church's solidarity with Christians in the region and draw attention to the challenges they face. This year's theme, “Christians in Israel: Challenges and Opportunities,” highlights, among other things, the exodus of Arab Christians and the influx of Catholic migrants from Asia to Israel.

In the dramatic political situation in the Palestinian territories and in Israel, Christian communities are facing enormous challenges. The exchange with Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, as well as numerous visits and conversations are intended to shed light on the topics in detail. This also includes dialogue with representatives of other religions in order to discuss Christian life in coexistence.

Peace initiatives in the Holy Land

Another notable step towards peace was the interfaith peace march that took place in Jerusalem on Monday. Several hundred people of various faiths marched through the city to show a sign of hope amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This event was initiated by the “Rabbis for Human Rights” and brought together rabbis, imams, priests and sheikhs to demand a path other than war and to address the themes of freedom, peace and justice. Druze Sheikh Junis Amasha pointed out the need to emphasize what we have in common, while Provost Joachim Lenz spoke about the support of local Christians.

The procession, which ended with a singing performance by the Jerusalem Youth Choir, impressively showed that despite the challenges in the region, the pursuit of peace and unity is firmly anchored in the hearts of many people. An inspiring example that also reflects the words of Bishop Ackermann in Koblenz, according to which prayer and connection to God can make a significant contribution to creating peace.