Things get political at the Evangelical Church Congress in Nuremberg. The most important questions: Is society falling apart? And as a Christian, can we speak out in favor of arms deliveries to a war zone?
The 38th German Protestant Church Congress started in Nuremberg with debates on climate protection, peace policy and social cohesion. Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for more consideration and respect. “We have to talk honestly about fractures,” he said, calling for “more appreciation between people from town and country.”
Above all, people who live in the country often felt left behind and “smiled at as hillbilly”. “I keep hearing that they don’t see themselves in all the debates,” Steinmeier said in front of an audience of around 5,000 – “that they wish their needs were taken more seriously and recognized as legitimate.” He demanded: “We must succeed in respecting the diversity of life plans in our country.”
This is more than just a question of good style, it is “a question that touches the core of democracy,” said the Federal President. “If larger groups don’t find each other again for a long time, then approval for democracy begins to crumble.”
Climate activist Neubauer: No generational conflict
At another Kirchentag event, climate activist Luisa Neubauer rejected accusations by critics that the climate movement had provoked a generational conflict. Rather, there is a conflict between “those who have fossil power and those who question it,” said Neubauer. When people downplay climate protection, “they’re just too lazy to come up with good and just solutions.”
The Fridays for Future movement is mainly supported by many young people. However, there was no reason to start a generational conflict, said Neubauer. Rather, a network stretched across all generations. And everyone is affected: “The young people have a future to lose,” but older people are also at risk – for example due to health problems caused by the heat. However, one should not refuse the various crises of the time, but “tackle it and make the best of it”.
Steinmeier: “Time for weapons”
The Kirchentag, which started on Wednesday and is scheduled to end on Sunday, has the motto “Now is the time”. In addition to climate and social policy, the war in Ukraine is also a regular topic at the Church Congress. “Besides all the other efforts – it is also time for weapons,” said Steinmeier. “If Ukraine stops defending, it will be the end of Ukraine,” he said. However, he admitted that the war has thrown many Christians into a deep dilemma: “How is it compatible with the Christian command of peace if we deliver weapons to a war zone?”
The former Council President of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), Margot Käßmann, who has been very critical of her church’s position on the matter and rejects arms deliveries to Ukraine, says she will not take part in this year’s Church Congress. According to the Kirchentag organizers, she was invited, but no one came together.
The Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, is scheduled for a panel discussion at the Kirchentag on Friday, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) are expected to attend on Saturday.
Information on the Kirchentag Details on the program Information on the Reformation in Nuremberg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria
Source: Stern
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