Lothar König, Defiant Anti-Fascist Pastor, Dies at 70

The charismatic youth pastor from Jena was renowned for his unwavering stand against right-wing extremism and his unique approach to faith and activism.

Lothar König, a revered youth pastor from Jena, passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy of activism against neo-Nazism and right-wing extremism.
Known for his unorthodox appearance and methods, König often clashed with conservative authorities and was seen as a thorn in the side of both the far-right and traditional institutions.
König's involvement with the evangelical church in East Germany during the 1980s positioned him as a key figure in the opposition movement, advocating for democratic reforms.
Throughout his career, König faced numerous legal challenges, including a high-profile trial in 2013 where charges against him were ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.
Despite threats and attacks, König remained committed to supporting marginalized communities and promoting social justice, earning respect and controversy in equal measure.