German Evangelical Alliance Issues Formal Apology for Nazi-Era Complicity
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) has issued a formal apology 80 years after its initial "Declaration of Guilt," admitting its complicity in Nazi crimes. The new statement, read at a ceremony in Berlin, acknowledges the 1946 declaration's shortcomings and expresses shame for past theological justifications of anti-Jewish actions. EAD Chairman Reinhardt Schink noted that Jews are still not safe in Germany today, and the organization pledged to actively combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The German Evangelical Alliance issued a formal apology for its role in Nazi crimes.
- The apology, released 80 years after a previous declaration, admits past failings and theological justifications for anti-Jewish actions.
- EAD Chairman Reinhardt Schink stated that Jews are still not safe in Germany today.
- The organization pledged to actively combat antisemitism and protect the Jewish community.
- The apology was issued near the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.
Eighty years after its initial "Declaration of Guilt," the German Evangelical Alliance (EAD) has issued a formal apology for its role and complicity in Nazi crimes. The new statement, released on a date coinciding with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, acknowledges that the 1946 declaration was insufficient and failed to fully address the extent of the church's failings.
The EAD leadership admitted that the organization's previous stance did not adequately condemn the persecution and marginalization of Jewish people. More gravely, the statement confessed that anti-Jewish actions were sometimes supported by theological arguments. "The leadership at the time acted contrary to the Gospel, and became guilty before God and the Jewish people. For this, the EAD asks for the forgiveness of the Jewish people," the document reads.
The organization expressed deep regret and shame for its leaders' welcoming of the "national awakening" in 1933 and their misplaced hopes in Adolf Hitler's rise to power. They also acknowledged offering misguided praise and justification for the state's actions against Jews.
During the ceremony in Berlin, held near the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, EAD Chairman Reinhardt Schink remarked on the current climate, stating, "It is shameful that Jews are still not safe in Germany today." In light of recent antisemitic incidents and protests, the EAD committed to remaining vigilant, unequivocally condemning injustice, and actively protecting the Jewish community while opposing all forms of antisemitism.
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