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5d ago

German Evangelical Kirchentag Highlights Political Engagement and Institutional Reform

In Hannover, the Kirchentag gathers tens of thousands to address societal challenges, with Merkel urging climate action and Wüst criticizing the church's handling of abuse cases.

Auf einer Bühne Neuen Rathaus wird der Eröffnungsgottesdienst für den Deutschen Evangelischen Kirchentag in Hannover durchgeführt.
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Overview

  • The 39th German Evangelical Kirchentag opened in Hannover with two outdoor services attended by 80,000 people and a speech by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who lauded the event as a democratic forum.
  • Kirchentagspräsidentin Anja Siegesmund emphasized the political role of faith, stating, 'Christian faith is political,' and called for the church to take a stance on societal issues.
  • Angela Merkel led a Bible study, advocating for stronger climate action and defending her 2015 migration policy as a testament to collective human compassion.
  • Dorothee Wüst, a leading church figure, condemned the church's 'ignorance and lack of compassion' in handling sexualized violence cases, calling for greater accountability and openness.
  • The EKD's new standardized €15,000 compensation policy for abuse victims, implemented in March, marks a significant institutional reform highlighted during the event.