The Evangelical Church has cautioned against any easing of Sunday store opening hours. A spokesperson for the Evangelical Church in Germany stated to the Rheinische Post that the “free Sunday” holds significant value for society as a whole, regardless of a person’s religious beliefs. According to the spokesperson, society requires one day a week where the majority of people have time off simultaneously.
Furthermore, he argued that Sunday provides essential space for family time, friendships, neighborly interactions, and volunteering. Especially during times of crisis, this tradition strengthens social cohesion and gives people strength, ultimately benefiting the entire community and the working world.
These views contrast with the positions of various trade associations and Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), who previously advocated for a more flexible structure regarding Sunday retail hours.
