A Catholic parish in western Germany has sparked controversy after announcing the celebration of a so-called “Harry Potter ecumenical service” inside a consecrated church, an event scheduled for next February 28 at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the city of Herne. The initiative, publicly promoted by the parish itself, has drawn criticism for using a Catholic temple for an event inspired by a fiction saga with magical elements.
According to The Catholic Herald, the event has been presented as an ecumenical service in which Catholics and Protestants participate by drawing on the symbolism and imagery of J. K. Rowling’s literary series. The event is scheduled for 5:00 PM and will take place both in the lobby and in the nave of the temple, a space dedicated to worship and consecrated for sacred use.
An event promoted with explicit references to the Harry Potter universe
The invitation poster disseminated by the parish explicitly uses the language and symbols of the Harry Potter universe. It invites “fans and newcomers to Hogwarts” to participate in an evening “between candles, light and darkness,” where “hope takes shape.” The text also announces elements such as “butterbeer,” the colors of the Hogwarts houses, and the possibility of attending in “magical clothing,” although it clarifies that “muggle” attire is also permitted.
The invitation describes the opening of the doors to the supposed “Great Hall” and presents the gathering as an experience with a “magical prelude” inside the church building, before the service itself unfolds. The language used does not make explicit reference to Catholic liturgy or a sacramental celebration.
Critical reactions on social media
The initiative has provoked reactions on social media (Instagram), especially after the publication of a promotional video for the event. Among the comments, several faithful have expressed their bewilderment and rejection of the use of a Catholic church for an activity they consider alien to worship and the purpose of the sacred space.
Some users have recalled canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law, which states that in a sacred place only that which serves or promotes worship, piety, and religion may be permitted, and that everything incompatible with the holiness of the place is prohibited. Others have criticized what they describe as a “compulsion to appear modern” and have questioned whether an event of this type can be considered coherent with a serious Christian celebration.
From the official account of the organizing parish, responses to some criticisms have indicated that it is a “Word ecumenical service,” without offering further clarifications on its content or the theological or pastoral criteria that support it.
Absence of an official diocesan response
In addition to the reactions from the faithful on social media, conservative Catholic media such as Christkönigtum have promoted online campaigns calling for the event to be canceled, arguing that the use of magical and fictional motifs inside a consecrated church constitutes a profanation of the sacred space and a cause of scandal for the faithful.
To date, the corresponding diocese has not issued a public statement on the event. According to The Catholic Herald, the parish did not respond to requests for clarification beyond the information already disseminated in its promotional material.