Peace prayer in Bocholt: Together for respect and diversity!

Peace prayer in Bocholt: Together for respect and diversity!

A special event is coming! On Saturday, November 15, 2025, a public, interreligious peace prayer will take place on Benölkenplatz in Bocholt. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and invites all citizens to come together. After the prayer, everyone is cordially invited to exchange ideas and come together in the St-Georg-Gymnasium cafeteria over pastries and warm drinks. Press service reports.

The peace prayer is a repetition of the important peace promise that was made nine years ago by Carmen Dietrich, Gregor Merten and representatives of the Abrahamic religions as well as committed Bocholters. It aims to promote respect and peace within the city community. The organization is in the hands of Ulrik Störzer from the Bocholt family education center, pastoral advisor Ute Gertz, Imam Ansar Ahmad Arshad and the integration officers Rainer Heeke and Bruno Wansing. The deputy mayor Gudrun Koppers and the first city councilor Björn Volmering have also confirmed their participation.

A sign of intercultural dialogue

The peace prayer is not just an event, but also part of the “Angel of Cultures” art project, which was launched in 2016. The inlay on Benölkenplatz was moved at that time to promote intercultural dialogue. How Bocholt.de reports, the “Angel of Cultures” represents the three Abrahamic world religions and is symbolic of all cultures and religions. The basic geometric shapes – triangle, square and circle – illustrate cultural diversity and invite contemplation and reflection.

At this annual event, participants promise to respect each other and actively work for peace in Bocholt. The principles of the project are clear: “We live in one world”, and it emphasizes the importance of providing space for the development of the individual and promoting humanity and respect for creation. It is a common goal to shape the future in peace.

Musical and culinary accompaniment

The musical accompaniment to the peace prayer will be provided by Turabi Alici, who will present his skills on the long-necked lute Saz. Various cultural associations in Bocholt ensure physical well-being, including the Akdeniz Alevis, the German-Syrian Association, the Afghan Hazara German Community and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. With delicious pastries and warm drinks, they will help make the get-together a culinary experience.

Mark the date in your calendar and celebrate with us a sign of peace and unity for all cultures in Bocholt!