A Catholic parish in western Germany is facing opposition after promoting what it has described as a “Harry Potter ecumenical service” to be held inside a consecrated church later this month. Source: Catholic Herald.
The event is scheduled for February 28 at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Herne and has been advertised online as an ecumenical service drawing on imagery from the popular Harry Potter book series.
Promotional material circulated by the parish invites “fans and Hogwarts newcomers” to gather for an evening “among candles, light and darkness” in which “hope takes shape”, with references to butterbeer, house colours and “magical attire” alongside the use of the church’s entrance hall and nave.
The advertisement states that the doors of the “Great Hall” will be opened for the evening and encourages attendees to dress in costume, while assuring them that “Muggle clothing is also permitted”. The parish website describes the gathering as beginning with a “magical prelude” inside the church building before continuing with the service itself.
The plans have drawn sharp criticism from the conservative Catholic outlet Christkönigtum, which has launched an online campaign urging the local diocese to intervene.
The petition argues that the use of “magical occult motifs” within a consecrated church constitutes a desecration of sacred space and causes scandal to the faithful. It calls for the event to be halted immediately.
The diocese has not issued a public statement on the matter, and no official intervention has yet been announced. The parish did not respond to phone calls asking for comment beyond the promotional description already published online.
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German Catholic parish plans to host “Harry Potter ecumenical service” (Catholic Herald)
