Following the AfD’s victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, Germany’s main Christian Churches have issued a joint statement in response to the result. It was signed by Kirsten Fehrs, chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Bishop Heiner Wilmer, president of the German Bishops’ Conference, and Christopher Easthill, president of the ACK, the ecumenical body bringing together the country’s Christian Churches.
In the statement, Church leaders acknowledge the election result and say it must be respected. At the same time, they say that the AfD’s success has confirmed their “very serious concerns” and call on the winners to uphold, without reservation, the Constitution of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany’s Basic Law and the dignity of every person, regardless of their background, religion, way of life or social status.
The Churches also say they will closely scrutinise the actions of the next state government. The statement says they will speak out publicly if human dignity, the democratic order or the rule of law come under threat. Their concern is particularly for people who may be “threatened or marginalised”.
The statement also addresses the political message sent by voters. According to the signatories, the result reflects a high level of dissatisfaction and a loss of trust that must be taken seriously. At the same time, the Churches stress the role played by associations, local communities and citizens who continue to sustain social life across the state.
The statement ends with a pledge to keep spaces for dialogue and encounter open and to support efforts that help hold society together. It is the first joint response from Germany’s main Christian Churches to the election result in Saxony-Anhalt.
