Sacred, Secular, and Both

Between Zürich’s great cathedrals, the Grossmünster and the Fraumünster, is a sanctuary called the Wasserkirche (Water Church) where I once did a wedding. Before the Reformation it was the resting place of Felix and Regula, the city’s patron saints who were martyred in 286 A.D.

Unlike the cathedrals the Reformers saw the Wasserkiche as irredeemable, and it became a public library in 1684. Then in 1940 it was reopened for worship services, and continues to be used for public events such as concerts and exhibitions. Though once again sacred it has not ceased being secular, which, in my opinion, makes it a model Church for the present age.

Convergence

Chine McDonald once wrote that cathedrals are a “meeting point” where heaven and earth come together in a variety of ways. I believe that Churches in general are meant to have this end. To be places of convergence where the eternal and temporal intersect. People should see the Creator and Creation in hallowed houses, and find a beauty that is healing for the brokenness in their lives.

During the wedding at the Wasserkiche I experienced this convergence, and I find it each time when walk along the Limmat. My most recent encounter was through a gift from my wife. A paper model of the sanctuary Reformers called irredeemable. Through cutting and folding I got a joyful glimpse of beauty. A glimpse that gives me hope that all brokenness will end.