Die Bahnhofsmission als Ander-Ort

Abstract

Abstract In the field of Practical Theology, the article locates the issue of ›Bahnhofsmission‹ both in terms of diaconia theory as well as poimenics and ecclesiology. The central question is if and to what extent ›Bahnhofsmission‹ can also be regarded as a local church in a theological sense, even if the staff and the clientele do not see themselves as church members. For this purpose, Michel Foucault's concept of heterotopias is referred to and railway stations are described as socially functionalised places that are transformed by church presence.