Catholic Archdiocese in Berlin, Germany, Requires Leadership Candidates to Reject Antisemitism

As antisemitic incidents continue to rise in Germany, the Archdiocese of Berlin, the governing body of the city’s Catholic Church, has issued new guidelines prohibiting its members from expressing racist, antisemitic, or extremist views. The archdiocese announced the measure on a Saturday, saying the church is taking a firmer stance against anti-Jewish hatred.

Under the decision, all candidates for leadership positions must sign a special declaration rejecting racism, antisemitism, and extremist views. The stated aim is to ensure that anyone seeking a leadership role commits to rejecting “racism, antisemitism, ethnic nationalism, and hostility toward democracy.” Karlies Abmeier, president of the Diocesan Council, said in a statement that “responsibility falls where it belongs,” and that those seeking to serve on diocesan committees and run in elections must actively uphold the Church’s values. Trust placed in church leaders carries accountability for how they use it (Luke 12:48).

Marcel Hoyer, executive director of the committee, told the German Press Agency that it is crucial such statements never come from those in positions of power within the Church. Candidates will also be barred from belonging to any party or organization that the German Office for the Protection of the Constitution has designated as extremist.

The archdiocese’s announcement comes amid a climate of rising hostility and radicalization in Germany, where the local Jewish community has increasingly become a target. Last week, anti-Israel protesters vandalized a church with paint in the Vogelsberg district of Hesse in central Germany.

According to local media reports, a crucifix at the church was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, including the slogans “Free Palestine” and “Jesus is Palestinian.” The church walls were also defaced with red paint.

Pastor Ingmar Bartsch denounced the incident, describing himself as “angry and bewildered.” He told the German newspaper Bild that what affected him most was that the crucifix is a historic depiction of Jesus, at least 200 to 300 years old, and “truly one of a kind.”

Bartsch said the crucifix will require professional restoration, with initial damage estimates reaching into the thousands of dollars. Local police have launched an investigation into the incident as a case of property damage, noting that the items involved hold religious significance. As the restoration process begins, Bartsch said the church will remain closed for now, reopening only for religious services.

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