Muslim worshippers in Berlin, Germany were invited to pray in a church during Ramadan as not all of them were able to fit into their mosque under new social distancing rules.

The ecumenical moment occurred as Germany allowed religious services to resume on May 4 and the worshippers took up the church's offer.

Social distancing during Ramadan

The Dar Assalam mosque in the city's Neukölln district could only hold a fraction of its congregation. as worshippers must maintain a distance of 1.5m.

In response, the Martha Lutheran church in Kreuzberg offered to help by hosting Friday prayers at the end of Ramadan.

"It is a great sign and it brings joy in Ramadan and joy amid this crisis," the mosque's imam told Reuters.

"This pandemic has made us a community. Crises bring people get together."

Still God's place

A Muslim congregant noted the contrast between the interior of the church and mosque, such as the display of musical instruments and pictures not seen in Islam.

"But when you look, when you forget the small details. This is the house of God in the end," he said.

The church's pastor took part in the service as well.

"I gave a speech in German," said Monika Matthias.

"And during prayer, I could only say yes, yes, yes, because we have the same concerns and we want to learn from you. And it is beautiful to feel that way about each other."

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