From Bethlehem, the Light of Peace embarks on its journey around the world – as a symbol of peace in public and private spaces. This year, the light is also meant to stand for diversity.
Interviewer: The little light is a little light that travels thousands of miles. You help voluntarily. Why is this important to you?
Anne Segbers (Volunteer of the German Scout Association Sankt Georg): The Peace Light is a great symbol that everyone can do something for peace, because it is being passed on. And over great distances – from Bethlehem, to Austria, here to Cologne – it goes to the parishes. Everyone carries it home and also gives a part of themselves to carry this light and peace further.
Interviewer: It is lit in Bethlehem. How does the journey continue then?
Segbers: Exactly, it is lit in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and then comes to Vienna by plane, because it is originally an Austrian action. In fact, it is not that simple, because you need an explosion-proof container to be allowed to travel on an airplane, as well as a lot of special permits. In Linz there was a celebration where delegations from different countries travel to pick up the light.
Interviewer: So this is how it got to Cologne. It will be sent out today during a service in Cologne Cathedral. Where it is carried on?
Segbers: From here, the Peace Light will be carried by the approximately 1.500 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts continue to carry the light into the parishes of the Archdiocese of Cologne. Incidentally, some also take the train for it, in which, by the way, there are equally strict regulations. As far as possible, the light is still carried today to church services, to people and to social institutions such as hospitals and homes for the elderly.
Interviewer: Is it possible that one comes also quite privately with a small candle and takes along the peace light?
Segbers: Yeah, sure that's no problem at all. Everyone can take the light of peace with them and also carry it further – it does not always have to be scouts now. In many parishes, the light of peace is still in the manger during the Christmas season and can be taken home.
Interviewer: This year the motto is Peace needs diversity. Which sign sets the peace light thereby exactly?
Segbers: Pathfinders and Pathfinders stand within the church and the society yes completely strongly for variety. They stand up against racism, against religious intolerance, for sexual diversity, and that's why, after the service in Cologne Cathedral, we're going to go outside and do a little demonstration – for peace and diversity. We want to set a visible sign and not only distribute the light of peace in the cathedral.
The interview was conducted by Beatrice Steineke.