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Faith Matters - Church Bells - Chiming between Heaven and Earth

April 3, 2022

Often hidden from view, but impossible to ignore, church bells ring out from towering belfries. For centuries they have given a rhythm to human activity. Even today their unmistakable tolling summons people to prayer and to worship. More than any other artefact the church bell has become associated with the voice of Christianity.

https://p.dw.com/p/49OXf

Dr Kurt Kramer is a world-renowned campanologist. Affectionately known as "Monsieur Bimbam” he has examined and restored countless bells in the Archdiocese of Freiburg and far beyond its boundaries for more than 40 years. For this report Teresa Kammerlander accompanied Kurt Kramer to head-spinning heights to take a closer look at bells and belfries. She gained some fascinating insights into this ancient musical instrument. Teresa delves into the cultural and historical origins of the bell, and asks: How are bells made? What maintenance do they require to survive the centuries? What spiritual dimension is hidden in the church bell’s chime?

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About the show

DW Sendungslogo Glaubenssachen englisch (Faith Matters)

Faith Matters — The Church Program

What people build on, what gives them support and the values they hold: For many, that is a question of faith. Every first Sunday of the month DW's monthly feature on religion gives insights into matters of faith.

Go to show Faith Matters