The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has opened a Web site designed to reach mothers who work outside the home. "Women feel responsible for the religious life of the family," said Manfred Kock, head of the EKD, at a press conference to announce the launch. "They bring the children to the parish kindergarten or discuss whether to baptize them. They ask all the relevant questions."

The church hopes to help equip women to fulfill their dual daily role and to improve their performance both at work and at home. A study conducted by Germany's two main television stations concluded that more and more women are using the Internet, rising from just over a million to over 12 million in the last five years.

The study found that women and men under the age of 50 were using the Internet in equal numbers. "Men and women use the net much more to get things done at work and at home," the study concluded. "This includes using it for faith and church matters."

The site presents 10 stages of life, including birth, schooling, partnership, work, retirement and death. It portrays the life of 10 women, using short articles and videos to depict their daily life. "The site answers the questions we frequently receive in e-mails or in chat rooms at other church Web sites," said EKD webmaster Tom Brok. It deals with themes such as how to pray with children, helping children make the most of their confirmation classes, or being a single parent. Links connect users to other sites for additional information on topics such as baptism or marriage.

By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com