Free Evangelical Community of Vohwinkel, Wuppertal, Germany, Rejects Xenophobia and Populist Currents

The Free Evangelical Community of Vohwinkel, a congregation in Wuppertal, Germany, has issued a statement on xenophobic and democratic tendencies in society. The community said the current world political and economic situation challenges both individuals and congregations, and that it wants to meet these challenges “in trust in our Lord Jesus Christ through a solidarity-based, charity-driven coexistence.”

The statement expressed concern about populist currents and what it called anti-human propaganda in Europe and in Germany, which it said seek to push back or even make impossible an equal, democratic coexistence. The community wrote that it fears xenophobia and cultural exclusion in Germany could create a new breeding ground for such attitudes. It said it wants to distance itself clearly from these aspirations and the ideas associated with them.

The community stated that it is grateful for the democratic basic order enshrined in the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, and that this order must be protected. It described the Basic Law as giving Christians room to help shape a cosmopolitan, diverse and colourful society.

Affirming that every human being is created in the image of God and has an inalienable dignity, the community said all people should be treated respectfully and justly, regardless of skin colour, gender, origin or ethnicity. It stated that nationalist inhumane incitement, racism, anti-Semitism, tendencies that threaten democracy, and totalitarian and extremist ideologies have no place in the congregation. It also said it strongly rejects all forms of hate speech and discrimination aimed at inciting division, enmity and violence.

The statement said the community wants, in its search for common solutions to social challenges, to set the goal of reconciliation and dialogue (Matthew 5:9). It described its own experience of opening its doors and hearts to people from different cultures and nations, sharing life and, where possible, faith. The community acknowledged that these experiences have not been without challenges, but said they encourage its commitment to openness and integration.

Finally, the community encouraged people to critically examine news and statements that are currently polarizing and placative headlines, and to measure their own attitudes against God’s love and grace. It said citizens can contribute to this through their actions, their attitudes and their political voting.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)