During a state synod meeting in Görlitz, the bishop of the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia, Christian Stäblein, emphasized the importance of an honest examination of the corona pandemic. He stressed the need for open and honest conversations to learn from the experiences of the past year. Stäblein expressed gratitude towards those in politics and science who worked tirelessly to combat the pandemic and protect lives.
The church faced strict corona measures during the pandemic, with services being canceled or held under strict rules. Stäblein acknowledged the challenges faced but emphasized that the overall response was not in vain. The pandemic was seen as a joint effort to protect lives, and the bishop expressed gratitude for the efforts made.
The church parliament is set to debate a proposal from its council of elders regarding a clear distancing from the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The church is committed to upholding democracy and the rule of law and will resist any actions that undermine these principles. Stäblein highlighted the church’s commitment to staying away from populism and standing against any form of incitement.
Another important topic at the church parliament meeting was the further processing of sexual abuse within the Evangelical Church. The church leadership provided funds for the professionalization of processing, prevention, and intervention work to support victims and address the issue. The church acknowledged its responsibility in addressing abuse and pledged to support those affected.
Stäblein emphasized the need for the church to acknowledge and address the horror of sexual violence and the church’s complicity in enabling abuse. He called for accountability and a commitment to changing structures that facilitated abuse. The church is taking steps to address past misconduct and support victims in seeking justice and healing.