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Mainz (dpa) - The Mainz Bishop Peter Kohlgraf is looking forward to the Christmas services "despite all the stresses and worries" because of the Corona crisis.
Even if the masses have to be celebrated on a smaller scale than usual, they are "really an expression of Christmas hope and confidence", he wrote in a letter published on Thursday to the pastors and believers in the diocese.
He is aware that, in view of the high number of infections and deaths in the corona pandemic, some people rightly asked whether church services at Christmas do not pose a risk that should be avoided.
Other people, on the other hand, emphasized the great importance that «church services celebrated together have, especially at Christmas, but also as an expression of hope and solidarity, especially in this difficult time», explained Kohlgraf.
In the past few months, the church in the Mainz diocese has been able to gain experience of how religious services can be celebrated responsibly during the pandemic.
"We want to do that at Christmas too," said Kohlgraf.
The bishop emphasized that it was a free decision "for each individual whether he or she attends a communally celebrated church service on Christmas days or not".
This decision must be respected in any case.
"In particular, I ask members of risk groups to carefully weigh the risks," he wrote.
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Church services at Christmas are also allowed under the stricter Corona rules.
But the distance requirement of 1.5 meters and a mask requirement also apply on the pitch.
Congregation and choir singing is prohibited.
Registration is mandatory if the capacity is expected to be fully utilized.
Many congregations are planning digital offers, but also face-to-face services.
The diocese of Mainz includes areas in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse.
Letter from the Bishop
Information from the diocese on the corona pandemic
Overview of offers in the Christmas season from the diocese of Mainz