Germany’s Christian Churches Take a Stand Against Far-Right Extremism

As the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains momentum in the polls ahead of the state election on September 6, a different kind of battle is unfolding in Saxony-Anhalt. The region’s Christian churches are taking a firm stance against the AfD’s extremist ideology, and it’s a development that warrants close attention.

The AfD’s aggressive rhetoric towards the churches has taken many by surprise, particularly given the party’s previous claims to be victims of church hostility. This new wave of criticism goes beyond mere partisan politics; it’s a frontal assault on the core values of Christianity in Germany. The AfD’s government program proposes the abolition of state payments to the Protestant and Catholic churches, as well as the end of church tax collection by public authorities.

This is not just about funding or tax policy; it’s about the very essence of what these institutions represent. For centuries, German churches have been at the forefront of promoting human dignity, solidarity, and dialogue. Their stance against the AfD is less about opposing a particular party than defending a Christian worldview that emphasizes compassion and inclusivity.

Bishop Gerhard Feige’s words at the Magdeburg Catholic cathedral are telling: “Love thy neighbor, dialogue, human dignity, solidarity. VOTE CONSCIOUSLY!” These are not just empty platitudes; they represent a profound commitment to values that have guided German Christians for generations. By speaking out against the AfD’s divisive rhetoric and policies, these churches are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech and their moral obligation to defend human rights.

The rise of far-right extremism in Saxony-Anhalt is part of a broader trend that threatens to undermine democratic institutions across Europe. It’s not just about the AfD; it’s about the normalization of hate speech, xenophobia, and Islamophobia that has become alarmingly prevalent on the continent.

The churches’ response serves as a stark reminder that these ideologies are incompatible with Christian values. As Friedrich Kramer, bishop of the Protestant Church in central Germany, put it: “Primarily not political messages, but Christian ones.” This is not about endorsing any particular party or agenda; it’s about upholding a moral framework that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

The stakes are high, and the churches’ courage will likely be tested in the coming weeks. As Germany prepares for its state elections, one thing is clear: the country’s Christian communities will not stand idly by while extremist ideologies seek to undermine their values and traditions.

The AfD’s Ethnonationalist Agenda

The AfD’s government program reveals a disturbing obsession with ethnonationalism, which seeks to define Germany’s identity in narrowly exclusionary terms. This is a far cry from the “Thinking Modern” motto that once characterized Saxony-Anhalt. By embracing an ideology that emphasizes the superiority of a particular ethnic group, the AfD risks perpetuating the very kind of nationalist fervor that fueled Nazi atrocities.

Bishop Feige’s comparison between the AfD’s rhetoric and the Nazi era is not hyperbole; it’s a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked nationalism. The reintroduction of the flag assembly in schools, which existed during the Nazi era and was later adopted by East Germany, is a chilling example of how extremist ideologies can masquerade as patriotism.

A Last Stand for Human Rights

The churches’ stand against the AfD is not just about preserving their own interests; it’s about defending human rights and dignity. As the world grapples with rising nationalism and xenophobia, these institutions serve as a beacon of hope and inclusivity. Their courage in speaking out against extremist ideologies sends a powerful message: that compassion, solidarity, and dialogue are essential to building a just society.

In the coming weeks, Germany will face a crucial test of its commitment to democracy and human rights. As the state elections approach, the churches’ stance against the AfD serves as a reminder that these values must be defended at all costs. It’s time for Germans to ask themselves: what kind of country do we want to build? One that upholds the principles of Christianity or one that succumbs to extremist ideologies?

The choice is clear.