Overview
- Delegates received the new Friedensdenkschrift, which retains the goal of a just peace but prioritizes protection from violence and accepts deterrence and limited defensive force as a last resort.
- EKD chair Kirsten Fehrs backed strengthening Germany’s defensive capability while calling for more restrained language in debates on the military, conscription and arms exports.
- Fehrs urged resolute resistance to the AfD, citing its classification as right‑wing extremist, and said considering a party‑ban procedure is a legitimate discussion.
- The Synod will hear an update on addressing sexualized violence, with the Beteiligungsforum set to deliver its report on Tuesday following the ForuM study’s findings.
- Delegates are weighing a law to tie Synod size to regional membership, likely cutting seats from 128 to about 98, as wider debates continue on budgets, Israel/Middle East and AI.