By Stefan Schilde
His new uniform, the white tunic, looks really good on him! Stefan Scholpp (57) is the new cathedral preacher in Berlin Cathedral. He will be formally inducted into his new office with a festive service on Sunday. BZ spoke to the churchman in advance.
Born in Karlsruhe, he studied theology in Berlin, among other places. His parish stations: Schwetzingen, Hockenheim, Mannheim and now Berlin. Scholpp about his work, how he wants to counteract the many people leaving the church, about Berlin and how the city has changed since his studies. How about your own family? And where does he encounter God in everyday life?
BZ: Herr Scholpp, what is and does a cathedral preacher do?
Stefan Scholpp: Domprediger is the title of a pastor at Berlin Cathedral. So he does exactly what pastors do elsewhere: preaching, baptisms, marriage, preparing services, pastoral care.
And outside the church walls?
The Berlin Cathedral is the third largest tourist magnet in the city. Many people just look at the building, but some also want to know: What is the Christian faith? We want to talk to them.
In a few words: what do you believe in?
That we humans are not in the world by accident, but exist as wanted, loved creatures of God. That we are accepted and redeemed by him, and so work for the world and in the world.
Why are so many people leaving the Church?
For many reasons. People have become alienated from her. They continue to pay church tax, but no longer take part in church life. At some point they ask themselves: why am I paying for a club that I don’t benefit from?
What does the church have to do better in order to reach more people again?
We should first listen: What really moves people, what questions do they have? Ready-made textbook answers are of little use. Instead, we have to look together with the people: What answers can church tradition and the Bible provide?
Have you arrived in Berlin yet?
My wife and I have been living in Prenzlauer Berg for a week. I’m glad things worked out with the apartment, it’s not supposed to be that easy here. But we haven’t been able to complete the registration yet, the administration is rather dysfunctional. (laughs)
You have already studied in Berlin before…
That was in 1989/90, when the wall had just come down – an exciting time. This closes the circle for us, because our first daughter was born here…
… in contrast to your Catholic colleagues, you are not committed to celibacy.
Correct. I have two girls and two boys – all from the same woman I married in 1989, so traditionally. The four are already out of the house. My wife and I are starting again as a couple in Berlin. We are really looking forward to the city!
What has changed in Berlin since then?
Berlin as a cosmopolitan city has become even more cosmopolitan. At the time of reunification, it was still characterized by West Berlin’s island location and East Berlin’s socialist past. That’s different now.
What does Stefan Scholpp like to do privately?
If possible, I like to sail. In this respect, I am particularly pleased that the Baltic Sea is now so much closer.
In Berlin there is also the Wannsee …
It’s also possible, but inland sailing would be a bit too boring for me. (laughs)
What music do you listen to? Except, of course, for church music.
French jazz. It’s kind of a little hobby of mine. I appreciate jazz singers Stacey Kent and Patricia Barber. I play the piano myself and enjoy going to concerts.
Do you have a favorite church in Berlin?
Berlin has so many beautiful churches. I have fond memories of the church on Hohenzollernplatz, where we had theater performances when I was a student. But I also really like the small village churches. For example the Johanneskirche in Frohnau.
Where do you meet God on the street?
God meets me in the silence when I wake up early and the sun is rising. When I enter a church or read the Bible and pray – no matter where, no matter when. But also in the deposit collector next to the public rubbish bin.
You have to explain that to us.
Because Jesus said, “Whatever you do for my least sisters and brothers, you do for me.”