That led church leaders to organise a second afternoon service as well. Admission is free, but seats must be reserved in advance.
I’m pretty stunned and surprised. I hadn’t expected this response. We deliberately want to reach other audiences, especially younger people
Both will feature live performances of Swift’s music by Tine Wiechmann, who teaches religious pop music at the Heidelberg University of Church Music. Wiechmann plans to sing about six songs by the pop star.
“I’m pretty stunned and surprised. I hadn’t expected this response,” the church’s pastor, Vincenco Petracca, said on Wednesday.
“We deliberately want to reach other audiences, especially younger people.”
The services are entitled “Anti Hero” after the song by Swift.
Singapore Swifties, enchanted after Eras Tour, turn to Taylor Sheesh for solace
Singapore Swifties, enchanted after Eras Tour, turn to Taylor Sheesh for solace
The Heiliggeistkirche has been incorporating pop music into services since 2015, with previous services featuring music from the Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Queen and Madonna.
There was also been a church service with music by Michael Jackson, during which the pastor said he also addressed the allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson and the topic of sexual abuse in the church.
“It’s much easier with Taylor Swift,” said Petracca.
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Welcome to Singapore: Taylor Swift mania peaks days ahead of Eras Tour concert in city state
Welcome to Singapore: Taylor Swift mania peaks days ahead of Eras Tour concert in city state
The pastor said the Swift-themed church services will focus on the relationship between religion and politics.
According to Petracca, the 600-year-old Gothic Heiliggeistkirche is the largest church in Heidelberg and the surrounding area.