German churches to forge links with W-Cup fans

Frankfurt, Germany - Germany’s Protestant churches plan late-night services during next year’s World Cup in an effort to improve links with soccer fans.

Leaders of Germany’s Protestant church association (EKD) said on Wednesday that two clergymen would spend the next 10 months preparing the ground for the initiative.

“The sport of soccer fascinates people and the members of our community,” said pastor Hans-Joachim Fischer.

“I know at least three priests who have season tickets for Eintracht Frankfurt. We want to do more than set up a few television screens in our centres.”

Aside from offering late-night, post-match services, the churches also plan special World Cup services and will offer facilities for soccer fans to pray on their own.

They will contact church organisations in the 32 competing countries and plan to get involved with local organising committees at Germany’s 12 World Cup venues, which include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and Frankfurt.

One million foreign visitors are expected in Germany for the World Cup Finals that run from June 9 to July 9, 2006