The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has doubled down on its distancing from the far-right political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), asserting that the party’s ideological stance is fundamentally incompatible with roles of leadership within the church. Anna-Nicole Heinrich, Präses of the EKD synod, stated in an interview with “Welt am Sonntag” that those holding “dehumanizing positions” are unsuitable for ecclesiastical office, a judgment she explicitly applied to AfD functionaries.
Heinrich underscored the critical nature of the roles in question – responsibilities encompassing diaconal care, disability services and the defense of human dignity – arguing such pursuits were irreconcilable with the AfD’s declared policies. Addressing concerns that this stance might alienate supporters of the party, Heinrich dismissed the notion, emphasizing the church’s commitment to continued dialogue.
Beyond its political positioning, the EKD is also facing scrutiny regarding its recently adopted peace memorandum. Heinrich clarified that the document does not endorse a naive pacifism, rejecting the proposition that non-violent solutions exist for every political dilemma. She conceded that in a world characterized by conflict, the deployment of “right-preserving force” might, at times, be necessary as a last resort to achieve a just peace. Heinrich characterised the memorandum as representing a “reality check” of the EKD’s established stances.
The memorandum’s implications for German foreign policy were further explored, with the interviewer raising the possibility of deploying Bundeswehr peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. While refraining from offering definitive answers, Heinrich acknowledged the need for expert consideration, explicitly stating that the memorandum could serve as a guiding framework. Critically, she affirmed the EKD’s commitment to providing pastoral support to military personnel, regardless of deployment decisions. The stance highlights a complex and nuanced approach to international conflict, moving beyond traditional pacifist dogma while maintaining a spiritual and supportive role for those involved in military endeavors.