Winistaedt said, Aussiedler are initially highly uncomfortable in church. They re accustomed to having the en on the right and women on the left and women in scarves. Aussiedler never have sung with organ accompaniment and are scandalized when congregations remain seated during prayer. Winistaedt distinguishes between generations. Because their grandparents were so strict, many of the young don t want anything to do with the church, he said.
Young emigrants are more Russian than their elders.
The Evangelical Church in Germany is committed to integrating Aussiedler into existing, longstanding congregations. We see it as our calling to have local congregation offer rooms to Aussiedler so they can hold services in the fashion to which they accustomed, Springer said. There are 140 such Lutheran meeting in Germany now, and we desire to create more appreciation for Aussiedler within existing congregation. That would be merciless and shortsighted and would force them out of the church. Indeed many Aussiedler already have joined more intimate Baptist or Mennonite congregations.