Taking a stand – strengthening alliances
A symposium organised by the Lüneburg Deanery on the Church in times of right-wing extremism and political polarisation
How can the Church deal with political polarisation and far-right views? Where is dialogue needed, and where are clear boundaries required? And how can democracy be strengthened in everyday life? These were the questions addressed on 26 September at the symposium ‘Taking a Stand. Strengthening Alliances. The Church in Times of Far-Right Extremism and Political Polarisation’ at the VERDO Culture and Conference Centre in Hitzacker.
The event was organised by the Lüneburg Deanery in collaboration with the church districts of Lüneburg, Lüchow-Dannenberg and Uelzen. People from the Church and civil society attended. The aim of the day was not only to shed light on political developments, but above all to provide a space for exchanging experiences and identifying concrete ways to take action.
Understanding does not mean agreement
At the outset, Regional Bishop Marianne Gorka made it clear that listening and dialogue are important for the Church – but that this does not mean remaining neutral in the face of misanthropic statements. “Observing and listening, remaining in dialogue, taking a stand and taking action,” she summarised the task. A few minutes later, she said: “My understanding does not necessarily mean agreement.” The dignity of every human being is non-negotiable for the Church. “The Church has a clear stance,” said Gorka. Every person has “inviolable dignity” – regardless of their background, skin colour, ability, sexual identity or religion.
“Observe and listen, keep the dialogue going, take a stand and take action.”
Professor Dr Christoph Goos, the new Vice-President for Legal Affairs at the Regional Church Office of the Regional Church of Hanover, subsequently addressed the issue from a constitutional law perspective. The panel discussion focused, amongst other things, on dealing with political polarisation within the church context and on experiences gained from work combating right-wing extremism. Representatives from civil society, the Church, journalism and the district were in attendance.
Getting to know one another: initiatives against right-wing extremism
During the break, the ‘Market of Opportunities’ provided an opportunity to learn about various initiatives and engage in conversation with one another. Organisations and alliances presented their work, including ‘Omas gegen Rechts’, Kurve Wustrow, ‘Kirche stärkt Demokratie’ and regional alliances against right-wing extremism.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to practical matters. The workshop run by Kurve Wustrow centred on how people can respond to far-right and misanthropic statements. A key question was: What helps when such a situation suddenly arises? The answer was also a matter of preparation. Those who consider possible situations and reactions in advance have more options for action at the crucial moment.
The so-called ‘paradox of tolerance’ by Karl Popper was also discussed. The general consensus of the workshop was that limits are necessary at certain points. The relationship between human dignity, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Basic Law, and freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 5, was examined.
To conclude, the participants shared what they had taken away from the day. One voice from the group spoke about making their presence felt at public events together with their own children: simply being visibly present, they said, could make a difference and give others courage.
Thus, the symposium did not end with a definitive answer to all the questions. Instead, it concluded with many examples, new contacts and the realisation that the struggle against political polarisation does not have to be waged alone.
