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Berlin (dpa / bb) - The Catholic Archbishop of Berlin, Heiner Koch, has called for family celebrations and church services to be celebrated prudently at Christmas in view of the corona pandemic.
Because of the corona pandemic, a limitation of contacts is necessary, said Koch, as chairman of the marriage and family commission of the German Bishops' Conference on Monday.
Not being able to celebrate Christmas as usual is a difficult thought for him.
The protection of people has priority.
This requires solidarity, self-discipline and renunciation as well as the willingness to celebrate Christmas differently than usual and to forego rituals and encounters that have become cherished, Koch continued.
It is close to his heart that all believers who want to attend a church service can do so too.
There are also changed formats for church services.
The churches in Berlin and Brandenburg are also preparing for protection against infection with the corona virus.
Offers such as singing from the balcony on Christmas Eve, praying outdoors or Christmas boxes are planned.
In most Protestant and Catholic places of worship, participation in church services is only possible with a registration.
In many churches the places have been taken for weeks.
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