German Chancellor does not want faith to interfere with politics
Despite repeated inquiries from the moderator, the German Chancellor did not want to comment on his faith. Photo EPA, Anna Szilagyi
Central Europe
Although he was raised a Christian, the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not want to speak about his faith. He was present at the German Evangelical Church Congress. A gathering that sparked media attention.
Although he was raised a Christian, the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz does not want to speak about his faith. He was present at the German Evangelical Church Congress. A gathering that sparked media attention.
According to himself, Olaf Scholz is "one of the few Germans who has read the Old and New Testament." And although he was baptised and confirmed, he does not want to share his beliefs today. That became clear on Saturday at the Kirchentag or the German Protestant Church Congress.
Despite repeated inquiries from the moderator, the German Chancellor did not want to comment on his faith. As a Chancellor of all Germans, he does not see it as his task to comment on his convictions. However, he does have a public responsibility to protect the faith of all, he says.
Although Scholz does not want his personal beliefs to interfere with politics, he has convictions. This includes making responsible decisions. "There are political situations in which I have to say: Here I stand, and I can't do anything else," said the Chancellor. This is the case, for example, in the case of support for Ukraine. If you think things are right, don't let that put you off. This reports the Christian magazine PRO.
Green Party
The Church Congress took place last week and had its closing on Sunday. At the meeting of the German Protestant Church (EKD), current topics from church and society are examined in lectures, church services and discussion events. And although at least 100,000 people visited the Congress, there was some critique of the gathering. According to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, the Congress was reminiscent of a Green Party Congress. "There are more gender asterisks than participants with a migration background."
According to the Swiss newspaper, the church has lost its compass. "It cannot offer the orientation that believers hope for. The clearer the position that a person or institution takes, the more likely they will be attacked. You really have to endure that. But clarity and truth are missing. Instead of a rock, there are many stones."
NEW - "God is queer" was preached at the closing ceremony of the German Protestant Church Congress in Nuremberg. pic.twitter.com/QBnsMFVLYC
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 12, 2023
As an example, the newspaper cites the topic of gender. A big topic at this Kirchentag, with more than 35 events. And yet, German President Steinmeier got the most applause when he said that many rural people don't see themselves in the current debates at all.
Much attention was given to pastor Quinton Ceasar from South Africa. He ended the Congress: "Now is the time to say 'Black lives always matter', now is the time to say 'God is Queer'. These statements caused condemnation among more conservative Protestants in Germany. According to the NZZ, the EKD needs to know where it stands and what it wants to offer people.
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