Diplomacy
The city of Cologne supported the travel and accommodation costs as part of its regular funding allocation in a special initiative. The entire organizational effort was managed by the city partnership associations. As part of the program for the church representatives from Indianapolis, the chairman conducted numerous daily events, including guided tours, museum visits, inspections of religious buildings, a visit to a church clothing outfitter, a reception at the town hall, etc. They also participated in the four services (including the ecumenical one) at Cologne Cathedral, to which they were invited. Throughout these activities, he was actively supported by Monsignor Kleine, including arranging participation in a barbecue evening at a Catholic youth facility (Garden of Religions) with representatives from all congregations and denominations in Cologne, as well as the evangelical president of the Church Council of the City of Cologne.
Particular emphasis should be placed on the thoroughly prepared personal contact with Cathedral Master Builder Füssenich. He was previously informed in detail about the immense structural damage to the church of St. Mary’s in Indianapolis, a church inspired by the model of Cologne. During an extensive tour and a visit to the specialized laboratories of the Cathedral Workshop, our guests obtained valuable information on the latest state of modern restoration possibilities. This way, the groundwork for cooperation between specialists in both partner cities has already been established. Cathedral Master Builder Füssenich would be willing to travel to Indianapolis for this purpose. Upon their return, the two church representatives, using the extensive documentation material they collected or created themselves, have since given numerous presentations to citizens and community members in Indianapolis. They report on Cologne and the hospitality they experienced here—a valuable contribution to spreading awareness of the city partnership with Cologne in the American partner city. Due to many additional invitations, the guests extended their stay in Cologne for an additional four days at their own expense.
