Berlin Bishop Criticizes Anti-Discrimination Commission for Excluding Church

Bishop Christian Stäblein calls the decision to omit church representatives from Berlin's new anti-racism commission 'foolish' and highlights the church's historical role in combating antisemitism.

• Berlin's 24-member anti-discrimination commission began its work in late March 2025, aiming to address racism, antisemitism, and systemic discrimination by 2026.
• The commission includes 13 parliamentarians and 11 external experts, all appointed by parliamentary factions, but excludes church representatives and members of the AfD party.
• Bishop Christian Stäblein criticized the exclusion of church representatives, emphasizing the church's longstanding commitment to fighting antisemitism as a core part of its faith and historical responsibility.
• Stäblein described the decision as 'foolish, ignorant, and wrong,' arguing that the church's involvement is essential in addressing societal issues like antisemitism and racism.
• The commission is tasked with developing strategies for societal cohesion and will submit its findings to the Berlin state parliament by the end of the legislative period in 2026.

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