Taylor Swift songs performed at German Catholic church, drawing criticism
An event billed as a celebration of the Word of God at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dülmen, Germany, featured songs by Taylor Swift, colored lights and fog effects. The use of a consecrated building for the event has drawn criticism
Songs by Taylor Swift were performed last Sunday at an event billed as a "celebration of the Word of God" at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dülmen, Germany, according to a report by lifesitenews.com. The event, aimed at young people, was staged with colored lights and fog effects, and has prompted debate over whether a sacred space should be used for a show of this kind.
The organizer
The organizer, Felicitas Höing, 23, has spoken about her difficulties with the Catholic Church. In 2025 she applied to the Diocese of Freiburg to become a "priestess," along with eight other theology students. Speaking to the German broadcaster WDR, Höing said: "I already have my difficulties with the Catholic Church. Although something like today strengthens me to do something in the church."
Those who attended
The event drew a large number of people. Annika Eckes, one of the young attendees, said: "I was totally thrilled that you could sing, dance together and celebrate Taylor Swift and God at the same time."
An older attendee said that "everything that brings people closer to God is right for us." Höing said she was pleased with the response: "People were so excited, so moved and so happy about this service. I am totally satisfied."
Canon law
The event has drawn criticism for the use of a consecrated place for a pop concert. Under canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law, only those things that serve or promote worship, piety or religion are permitted in a sacred place, and anything out of keeping with the holiness of the place is forbidden.
Swift and witchcraft references
The choice of Taylor Swift's songs has been questioned. The singer has been accused of using witchcraft imagery and references in her music and performances. A former Irish pop artist, who has said he was once "very interested in satanic things," accused Swift of carrying out satanic rituals. "You watch one of her shows and it has two or three demonic rituals to do with the pentagrams on the floor, with all sorts of things on her stage," he said.
The American exorcist Father Dan Reehil has warned about the song "Willow," saying it "suggests witchcraft and that she is probably drawing a lot of demons to her concerts."
In December 2020, Swift tweeted a link to a remix titled "willow lonely witch" with the comment: "witches be like 'sometimes I just wanna listen to music while yearning/sighing/staring out a window.' it me. i'm witches."
The Diocese of Aachen, which has jurisdiction over Dülmen, has not issued a statement on the event.
