The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) is advocating for a fundamental reassessment of national security and social cohesion, urging policymakers to move beyond traditional conceptions of military service and embrace a broader understanding of civic responsibility. In a statement to the “Rheinische Post”, Kirsten Fehrs, chair of the EKD synod, highlighted growing anxieties among young people regarding the potential impact of revised military service regulations on their individual futures.
While acknowledging the perceived necessity for expanding military service in response to evolving geopolitical challenges, the EKD insists this expansion must be inextricably linked to opportunities for voluntary alternative service. The church’s leadership argues that neglecting the significant willingness of young people to engage in crucial societal roles – including voluntary aid work, elder care and disaster relief – represents a profound misreading of the nation’s potential for resilience.
“A truly intelligent law must address both the concerns and the demonstrated desire for engagement” Fehrs stated, emphasizing the need to integrate military service with a robust framework for peaceful alternatives.
The EKD is now renewing its call for a legally enshrined “Right to Voluntary Service” designed to accommodate the diverse skills and circumstances of younger generations. This proposal moves beyond simply offering alternatives, advocating for a system where young people are actively empowered to contribute to society in ways that align with their personal capabilities and passions. Critically, the church’s stance implicitly challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding national security, suggesting that genuine strength lies not solely in a larger military, but in a society actively fostered through widespread, voluntary civic participation. This raises questions about the government’s prioritization of conscription versus prioritizing investment in non-military forms of social contribution and the potential for a more holistic and sustainable approach to national security.