analysis
Since Wednesday, believers, politicians and interested parties have been dealing with the topics of the climate crisis, war and democracy at the Evangelical Church Congress in Nuremberg. The conclusion: partly controversial debates, but no populism.
Five days in Nuremberg: five days of discussions, workshops, church services, concerts. What remains? First, the feeling that there is something more than poisoned debates, mudslinging in social networks, arguments according to the good-bad pattern.
That is the claim of a Kirchentag: to bring together people with different opinions, from different generations. people of good will. Nevertheless, the discussions on the podium were no less passionate, no less controversial. Confrontation is also possible without populist escalation.
Debate culture away from black and white thinking
The discussion that Economics Minister Robert Habeck had with Carla Hinrichs from the “Last Generation” was a great moment. Climate activists used the attention for this date to block the square in front of Nuremberg Central Station. Habeck said he found such actions counterproductive: “This protest prevents a majority for climate protection.” Carla Hinrichs, on the other hand, sees herself as a fire alarm: “The house is on fire.”
The conflict was not resolved, and that is not the task of the Kirchentag. It’s about a culture of debate away from the black and white scheme, about treating each other with respect. Or in the words of Church Congress President Thomas de Maizière: “Allow yourself to think that someone else might be right after all.”
peace debate in dilemma
For example, when discussing war and peace. The Peace Commissioner of the Evangelical Church, Friedrich Kramer, brought the protests of many Christians against arms exports to the Ukraine with him to the Church Congress. He wasn’t booed for that, wasn’t denigrated as someone who understood Putin. Even if the majority of the Kirchentag congregation and the church leaders want to support Ukraine militarily.
The church’s dilemma: Christian-motivated pacifism obliges non-violence. On the other hand: Solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted. This dilemma cannot be resolved – but it can be addressed.
Kirchentag as a sign of life
The Nuremberg Church Congress was balm for the Protestant soul. Finally meeting analog again – after a four-year Corona break. Tens of thousands of people crowded together at concerts and church services on the squares in Nuremberg’s old town. Signs in front of halls: “Closed due to overcrowding”.
This is a sign of life after years in which the evangelical church made a name for itself mainly because of the high number of people leaving. In addition, top politicians – from the Federal President to the Bavarian Prime Minister – who assure the churches: “You are indispensable for our society.” The churches must not be lulled by such statements. Christianity becomes a minority religion in the country. The church must and will change – including the Kirchentag.