The signet "Verlässlich geöffnete Kirche" (Reliable open church)

Tour guides of the tourist information in Westerstede and church guides of the parish of Westerstede, who have formed the "Arbeitskreis Offene Kirche" (AOK - Open church committee) have reached the goal to receive the signet "Verlässlich geöffnete Kirche", which is awarded by the Protestant church under certain conditions (see below). With this signet we support, for example, the campaign "Kirche im Tourismus" (Church in tourism).

The committee members ensure that the church is open weekdays from 10 - 12 a.m. and from 4 - 6 p.m. (01/04 - 30/09) and Saturdays from 10:30 - 12:30 a.m. (01/04 - 31/10).
Church tours are guided by honorary church staff (in charge: Mrs. Flora Karsch). The tourist information, situated in the town hall in Westerstede, also organizes individual guided tours and guided tours for groups.

36 church guides and tour guides of the tourist information Westerstede form the AOK. Please contact the tourist information Westerstede, CEO: Inga Benavidez (Tel.: 04488-55151) or the Protestant parish, Pastor Michael Kühn (Tel.: 04488-2678).

Churches receive the signet only if the following requirements are met:

1. The church is regularly open to the public at least 4 hours on 5 days a week.
2. The regular opening hours are divided up into 2 hours in the mornings and 2 hours in the afternoons These should normally be set to 10.00-12.00 a.m. und 2.00-4.00 p.m. Depending on local conditions the opening hours can be set to more convenient times.
3. Every year, the church has to be open from 1st April to 30th September. A minimum of half a year is required. 
4. Within the church, information on the church and on the current parish life must be provided: services announcements, a guide to the church and a parish journal.
5. The church is kept in an inviting and clean state.
6. The parish may use the logo for Reliable Open Church to call attention to the open church throughout the local and regional area. The signet is copyrighted and may only be used in this form.
7. If the commitment to meet the requirements is not adhered to the right to use the logo may be withdrawn.

Currently, the following established regional churches may award the signet:

• Konföderation evangelischer Kirchen in Niedersachsen
• Kirchenprovinz Sachsen
• Thüringische Landeskirche
• E. Kirche im Rheinland
• Westfalen
• Lippische Landeskirche
• Selbständige Evangelisch-lutherische Kirche