Recommendations of the editorial team
On the evening of the Eurovision Song Contest, the “word to Sunday” was broadcast on the ARD as usual – and that is exactly what causes heated discussions on the platform X. The reason: The contribution with Pastor Alexander Höner addressed queere rights, diversity and social cohesion – with a clear plea against exclusion and discrimination. For some users: Apparently too much inside.
“Word for Sunday” to the ESC
A pastor in a glitter suit, a queer icon on the hairdressing armchair and a clear message against intolerance – the “word for Sunday” before this year’s Eurovision Song Contest was not well received by everyone. At the center of the article: Alexander Höner, who speaks together with actress and cabaret artist Maren Kroymann about diversity, queer visibility and the shrinking space for tolerance – playful, pointed, but with a clear attitude. The optics already provoked: Höner enters the room with a rainbow flag around the neck. A sign also because flags that do not show the represented country are prohibited on the ESC stage this year.
“I think it’s great that the ESC exists at all. That millions celebrate across Europe, that life is colorful, that we are colorful,” explains Höner – and refers to the dwindling understanding of diversity, not just in Europe. In his community, the rainbow flag is regularly torn from the church. “As with the American president with his forbidden. There are now several groups that have left their rainbow flags for fear of him. And how do you react in the community?” Asks Kroymann. “We just hang up a new one.”
The performance was not well received by everyone
The spectators: on the inside to X reacted split. While many praised the commitment to Queere Rights and the respectful comedy, others complained of “politicization of the church” and accused the ARD of promoting identity policy at the best time. The accusation: too much attitude, too little religion.
It was exactly the topic: how the church can move into position – and must. Against the withdrawal of queer symbols, such as recently at the ESC, where rainbow flags were partially prohibited. Kroymann puts it dry in the article: “Unfortunately, what you cannot say about the ESC this year: show the flag.”
“ÖR once again in top form with the word for Sunday. Tried indoctrination you just can’t let it be …”, a user etches. Another commented: “I would have preferred to see Barbara’s dancing instead of this word for Sunday.”
At the same time, there was a lot of encouragement: “I find it wonderful with the word for Sunday,” writes a user and reminds that May 17th is the international day against homo-, trans- and interfestiness. “Show attitude. Create visibility.”
The fact that the ARD visibly designs the format in an ESC-related context seems to have comedic features for some. “More comedy really doesn’t work!” Writes one user – and quotes Kroymann’s sentence: “I am not religious, but …” Others took it more relaxed. “I think the word for Sunday is at least meant well,” sums up a user dryly.