As Friedrich Merz’s government takes its first steps, the Evangelical Alliance calls on Christians to “resolutely oppose exclusionary thinking” that vilifies certain groups in the country.
Building in Berlin, Germany. / Photo: [link]Johnny Kouzmidis[/link], Unsplash, CC0.
After an initial shock in which members of parliament from the new governing coalition voted against Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the government finally won the confidence of the Bundestag on 7 May.
The need for a second vote after weeks of negotiations between Christian Democrats (CDU-CSU) and Social Democrats only confirms the difficult socio-political climate in Germany, which is engaged in wide-ranging debates (from immigration to the future of industry and the rise of nationalism) that are polarising a country traditionally seen in for decades in Europe as a guarantor of stability.
In this environment, the German Evangelical Alliance (DEA), an organisation that gives a voice to evangelical Christians from various church families and organisations, has condemned the rise of racist, anti-Semitic and exclusionary ideas.
“We reject any relativisation of historical responsibility, especially towards the Jewish people”, says in a statement the Working Group on Politics of the German Evangelical Alliance.
They also “reject any political appropriation of Christian concepts for the purpose of demarcation or exclusion” and “any rhetoric that condemns or dehumanises people on the basis of their origin or affiliation”-
The rise of the far right led by Alice Weidel, which became the second most voted party (also with support from parts of the Christian population), worries the Evangelical Alliance, as former executive Frank Heinrich admitted in an interview.
The Protestant and Catholic churches also took a strong stance against the ideas of the AfD (Alternative for Germany), a party that is now the leader of the opposition.
As the centrist government begins to take shape in a turbulent European context, The evangelical policy experts in the Evangelical Alliance “observe with concern that ethnic and exclusionary thinking is gaining ground in parts of our society”.
“In times of social uncertainty, global crises and social tensions, simple answers become attractive – all too often at the expense of minorities, refugees or those who think differently. As Christians, we resolutely oppose this”.
The key to Christian faith, they DEA says, is what the Bible says about the value of every human being: “Our faith obliges us to respect the inviolable dignity of every human being – regardless of their affiliation to any group. Every human being is wanted by God and is valuable”.
According to the Alliance, Christians in Germany should not forget that “human dignity is not a political formula for us, but an expression of the Christian view of humanity”.
“The Christian faith does not recognise the superiority or inferiority of any group of people”, underlines the DEA, and “ideological and racist notions of superiority contradict the spirit of the Gospel”.
Churches and other Christian organisations in the country should “examine populist and exclusionary patterns of thought” in the light of the gospel, working for a “respectful social dialogue” that helps reduce polarisation.
Finally, says the entity, evangelical Christians should take a “concrete commitment to diversity, justice and social cohesion – in the Church, civil society and politics”.
Other Christian confessions in Germany also addressed the country’s challenges of the moment this week. Among them was the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD - the official mainline Protestant Church).
President Kirsten Fehrs wished Friedrich Merz that “in carrying out his duties, he will feel that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of strength, love and prudence. This is helpful when you are Chancellor in difficult times for domestic and foreign policy”.
The leader of the Protestant Church added: “I very much hope that in this situation, all democratic forces will work together to focus on and shape the well-being of the people in our country and the future of our democracy. Democracy needs debate – but what it needs even more now is a willingness to reach understanding and work together”.
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