Information Evening at St. Marien in Lübeck: "We Want to Save Seven Towers!"
On the 22nd of May 2024, representatives from business, politics, marketing and society gathered at St. Marien at the invitation of the church district for an evening event dedicated to the seven towers. The goal was to highlight the urgent need for several renovation projects, particularly for St. Marien and Dom zu Lübeck, and to provide information about the 7Türme+ Foundation, which is currently being established.
Mayor Jan Lindenau: "A Great Community Task"
Lübeck's Mayor Jan Lindenau, who has personally supported the "I Want to See Seven Towers" campaign for many years, advocated strongly for involvement in the preservation of the five old town churches. "The question is not if we can do it, but how we can do it." The millions needed for necessary renovations do not deter him. On the contrary, such a task can be enjoyable within a large community. Lindenau assured that the Hanseatic city would also support 7Türme+ – "so that it becomes a very, very large foundation, at least as large as the seven towers."
State Secretary Wendt: Symbol of Stability, Comfort, and Confidence
Guido Wendt, State Secretary in the Kiel Ministry of General and Vocational Education, Science, Research, and Culture, emphasized how outstanding the old town churches are in every respect. “They stand not only for Lübeck but for all of Schleswig-Holstein.”
Even if congregational work nowadays predominantly takes place outside of the churches, the buildings hold significant meaning in increasingly unsettled times, symbolizing stability, comfort, and confidence. On behalf of the state government, Wendt also assured support. "It will be possible to save the seven towers if everyone works together and contributes what they can."
Provost Kallies: Churches are a Cultural Heritage for All
Lübeck's Provost Petra Kallies emphasized the cultural significance of the five Old Town churches. She stated that there needs to be a new alliance of responsibility between the state, churches, and society to preserve these important buildings: “Church buildings are not only sacred places but also ‘spaces of art and craftsmanship, as well as places of music,’ and thus, a cultural heritage for all,” she said. Due to declining membership numbers and financial constraints, Christian communities are increasingly unable to maintain the churches, which is why charitable foundations are needed. The five churches in Lübeck’s historical centre require 1.5 million euros annually for their maintenance alone. Therefore, the church district and the inner-city congregations, along with various partners, have founded the 7Türme+ Foundation, which is supported by Joachim Gauck.
