“It’s an experiment that can prompt discussion,” said Sebastian von Gehren of the regional church. Martin Luther reportedly nailed his 95 theses to a door of a church in Wittenberg in 1517, leading to the birth to Protestantism. Von Gehren said that the church deliberately chose not to make the robot look human. “One half thinks it’s brilliant, but the other half just cannot imagine getting a blessing from a machine,” said von Gehren. While the robot is meant to aid prayer and act as an attraction for newcomers to the church, von Gehren assured people that it will not be taking over services any time soon.

Source: The Local May 31, 2017 14:37 UTC