Churches Warn Against Political Collaboration With AfD Amid Asylum Debate
In January 2025, Germany’s CDU, CSU, FDP, and AfD enacted stricter asylum policies amidst widespread public division. The churches have voiced objections, urging against collaboration with the AfD, as surveys indicate public unease about the implications on democracy. Tensions rise ahead of the February elections, with churches committing to promote dialogue in a fragmented society, while remaining critical of far-right affiliations.
In late January, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Free Democratic Party (FDP), and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) enacted stricter asylum regulations, igniting ongoing public debate. The Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) and the Catholic German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) expressed their disapproval through a joint letter to all parliamentarians, signed by influential church leaders Anne Gidion and Karl Jüsten. Despite their appeal, the conservative and FDP parties ignored their warnings.
Public opinion reveals that while two-thirds of Germans support tighter asylum regulations, a majority disapprove of parliamentary collaborations with the AfD, generating significant backlash. Gidion and Jüsten reminded officials of a prior agreement among mainstream parties to avoid forming majorities with the AfD, emphasizing potential harm to German democracy.
Tensions escalated just before the federal elections set for February 23, as Markus Söder, CSU Chairman, claimed Gidion and Jüsten’s letter failed to represent church consensus. He noted that multiple bishops and church members distanced themselves from the letter’s message. Söder, a Protestant himself, insisted on the importance of voicing personal opinions within a democratic framework.
Klaus Holetschek, leader of the CSU parliamentary group, criticized the churches for their political involvement, labeling it a “cardinal error.” He asserted that churches should refrain from taking sides in contentious debates, emphasizing their role in providing a Christian moral foundation for society.
In defense of church involvement in political discourse, EKD Council Chair Bishop Kirsten Fehrs stated that the churches have important roles in addressing issues like migration and democracy. Fehrs highlighted the historical Christian values associated with CDU and CSU, which include safeguarding human dignity and environmental stewardship, underscoring the need for engagement in social debates.
A recent study revealed pervasive societal divisions in Germany, provoking concerns over free speech. More than half of respondents expressed fear of repercussions for voicing their opinions, and a notable fraction reported distancing themselves from others due to disagreements. To mitigate these challenges, the church plans to establish community dialogues fostering respectful conversations across differing viewpoints.
While advocating for open discourse, Bishop Fehrs expressed reservations about engaging with AfD representatives, due to the party’s extremist views. Public statements from both churches in 2024 have condemned the AfD for its discriminatory tendencies that threaten democracy. They are initiating large forums for dialogue, commencing with an event in Hanau, a site of a tragic racially motivated attack in 2020, aiming to learn from past incidents.
The churches’ engagement in the political realm highlights critical concerns regarding asylum policies and the implications of collaborating with extremist parties. Despite public support for stricter regulations, apprehension exists over undermining democracy through partnerships with the AfD. The initiative to foster dialogue points to an urgent need to address societal divisions while reinforcing Christian values of dignity and respect. The upcoming forums symbolize a proactive approach to fostering understanding in turbulent times.
Original Source: www.dw.com
