Speaking Up for Democracy: Bishops Fehrs and Bätzing on the 80th Anniversary of Post-War Germany
Clerics Fehrs and Atkinson: Uphold the Principles of Democratic Governance - EU and its Member States Wage Joint Action
On the 80th anniversary of the demise of the NS dictatorship and the end of the horrifying Second World War, Germany's two major churches appeal to the responsibility for the future.
The joint statement issued by Bishops Kirsten Fehrs, chairperson of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), and Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, acknowledges the factors that enabled the disaster and breakdown of civilization. "The lack of defenders of democracy in Germany who were prepared to face the severe challenges of the time, negotiate long-term compromises, and intervene against violence in a timely manner" is one such factor.
National Socialism's rise was also a consequence of widespread fear and decline across the population, coupled with the crisis of traditional orders. "The desire for rapid change in circumstances was accompanied by the trivialization, abandonment, and even open rejection of Christian, humanistic, and Enlightenment values and their vision of humanity."
A Call for Defending Values
At the same time, the churches remind us of Europe's rebuilding work for global peacekeeping. The liberation from guilt, violence, and their consequences should never be the last word. Freedom, peace, law, and human dignity are not only threatened externally; they are also under attack internally.
For those dealing with the root causes of the catastrophes and guilt in the 20th century, the question of present and future responsibility arises. "From gratitude for reconciliation emerges the will: This time, we defend our values! We stand against all attempts to revive the spirits of violence and human hatred: Not with us, never again!"
- Post-War Germany
- Democracy
- Kirsten Fehrs
- Georg Bätzing
- Second World War
- Bishop
- Germany
- EKD
- Hanover
- Berlin
- Future
Contextual Insights
While there is no specific information on the ongoing efforts of Bishops Kirsten Fehrs and Georg Bätzing to defend democracy in relation to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, their roles as religious leaders in Germany likely encompass continuous engagement in issues of democracy, peace, and social justice.
- Kirsten Fehrs: As the head of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Kirsten Fehrs has been involved in various debates on social and political issues. She recently commended Pope Francis for his human approachability and humility, reflecting broader themes of promoting compassion and inclusivity within society.
- Georg Bätzing: He leads the German Catholic Bishops' Conference and often features in discussions on faith, society, and ethics within Germany. His role encompasses addressing both national and international issues from a religious perspective.
Religious leaders like Kirsten Fehrs and Georg Bätzing typically work towards:- Advocating for Human Rights: They emphasize the importance of human rights and the rule of law.- Encouraging Social Justice: By promoting social justice, they address inequalities and advocate for marginalized communities.- Fostering Interfaith Dialogue: They encourage dialogue between different faiths to build bridges and foster understanding in diverse societies.
- Bishops Kirsten Fehrs and Georg Bätzing, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, urge the responsibility for the future of post-War Germany, highlighting the lack of defenders of democracy in Germany who were prepared to face the challenges of the time.
- A joint statement from Bishops Fehrs and Bätzing acknowledges the factors that enabled the disaster and breakdown of civilization, including the desire for rapid change in circumstances that was accompanied by the abandonment of Christian, humanistic, and Enlightenment values.
- Georg Bätzing, the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, is involved in discussions on faith, society, and ethics within Germany, working to address both national and international issues from a religious perspective.
- Kirsten Fehrs, the head of the Evangelical Church in Germany, has been engaged in debates on social and political issues, commending Pope Francis for his human approachability and humility, reflecting themes of promoting compassion and inclusivity within society.
