In Germany, pole-dancer performs at Lutheran church

A poledance at St. Mary's Church in Lübeck. Photo: a video screenshot from bild.de

In the Lutheran church of the German city of Lübeck, on the eve of Christmas, the traditional service was complemented by a performance of a pole dancer. As reported by BILD, the "service," which included a pole performance, was held on December 22, 2025.

At St. Mary's Church in Lübeck, the head of the studio and poledance trainer Anke Kestermann performed immediately after the sermon, showcasing her "art" on the pole.

"Dancer Anke is a deeply spiritual person who has managed to find her unique path," stated the pastor of this church, Inga Meisner.

This performance caused a mixed reaction among believers and a wide public resonance. Such events are becoming part of a strategy to attract new congregants in the face of a mass exodus of believers.

Kestermann explained that her performance aimed not at self-presentation but at demonstrating the courage to be oneself and the desire to rethink the role of the church. However, critics saw in this a problematic mix of entertainment and worship. They emphasize that poledance, regardless of technical execution, is a form of self-expression closely associated with eroticism, which, in their opinion, contradicts the sacred space of the church. The argument that "dance can be a prayer" was dismissed as unsubstantial due to the lack of specific religious reference.

Support from Pastor Inga Meisner also caused disapproval. Instead of safeguarding the service as a place of concentration and reverence, according to critics, the church seeks attention through provocative actions.

As reported by the UOJ, in Germany, a pastor-evangelist "married" four men as one "family".

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