New Cabinet Member: Bishop from Hannover Takes Charge at Berlin's Education Ministry
Hannover's Bishop assumes the role of State Secretary - Hanover's Church Leader Transitions to State Secretary Role
Petra Bahr, a 59-year-old theologian, is making a significant leap from her role as bishop in Hannover to become the state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women, and Youth in Berlin. Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has welcomed this change.
The bishop, according to Bishop Ralf Meister, has brought a unique touch to the office of regional bishop in Hannover—a role she's held since 2017—by fostering meaningful dialogues between the church, politics, science, and culture. Meister praises her wisdom and sharp analytical perspective.
Before joining the church, Bahr held positions at the CDU-affiliated Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. and the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, where she served as cultural commissioner. She earned her doctorate in 2002 from the University of Basel with a thesis on Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Judgment." From 2000 to 2006, she taught religious philosophy and ethics at the University of Frankfurt am Main.
Hailing from Hannover and soon to be based in Berlin, Bahr's transition into political office suggests a blend of spiritual guidance and academic acumen, making her a unique addition to the ministry. With her services now divided between family, seniors, women, and youth matters, she brings a rich background to the table.
- Petra Bahr
- Federal Ministry of Education
- CDU
- Seniors
- Women
- Youth
- Berlin
- Hannover
- Karin Prien
Petra Bahr, the new state secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education in Berlin, hails from Hannover and was previously a bishop in the same city. Prior to her religious role, Bahr held political positions, including her time at the CDU-affiliated Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. and the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany. Bahr's academic background includes a doctorate in religious philosophy and ethics, vocational training in teaching these subjects, and extensive experience in the field. Her unique blend of spiritual guidance and academic acumen makes her a valuable asset to the ministry, particularly in matters concerning families, seniors, women, and youth. Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has welcomed Bahr's transition into political office.
