Counter-violence is justifiable while Christian pacifism is untenable, the latest memorandum states
The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) has renounced its long-held pacifist stance in its latest peace memorandum, stating that violence is sometimes necessary to counter violence.
The remarkable announcement by the federation, which represents some 17 million members, comes as the German government pushes to beef up the country’s military in the face of a perceived “Russian threat.” Moscow has repeatedly denied harboring aggressive intentions toward any NATO member state.
The ‘Peace Memorandum 2025,’ which was presented at the church’s synod on Monday, marked a “clear reorientation of Protestant peace ethics,” the EKD stated.
“As a universal political ethic, pacifism with its categorical rejection of violence cannot be ethically legitimized,” the document proclaimed.
“Violence must be contained – if necessary, with counter-violence,” the memorandum further clarified.
According to the document, “security policy uncertainties” dictate that Germany must “substantially expand our own capabilities for national and alliance defense.” (more...)
German Protestant federation abandons long-time peace stance
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