Coming to terms with GDR history: Northern Church calls for unity between East and West

Coming to terms with GDR history: Northern Church calls for unity between East and West

On October 3, 2025, an important conference of the Protestant Northern Church took place in Schwerin, which dealt intensively with the Protestant Church's coming to terms with the GDR history. On that day, an expert paper entitled “Common Past – Shared Responsibility – 35 Years after Unity” was discussed. State Bishop Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt emphasized that the experiences from the GDR era are an integral part of the common history of all Protestant churches in Germany. The aim of the conference was to build a bridge between the traditions and experiences of the Eastern and Western churches Northern Courier reported.

Numerous participants had already gathered in a discussion on October 1st, including representatives such as Markus Meckel, a prominent figure who urged the need for recognition of all-German history. It was emphasized that the experiences of East Germans are often pushed into the background and that GDR history is often viewed as a “special story”. Kühnbaum-Schmidt noted that the differences between East and West are not only noticeable in social aspects such as life benefits and pensions, but also in the urgently needed recognition and appreciation of those affected, as in Church MV can be read.

A plea for a joint reappraisal

The discussion expanded to include the demand that coming to terms with GDR history should be seen as a common heritage for all Protestant churches. The paper makes fundamental recommendations, ranging from the “establishment of an ombudsman” to an “EKD-wide recognition procedure for those affected by church injustice”. These points were considered necessary to give voice to the experiences of those who have suffered from ecclesiastical injustice.

During the discussion, Bishop Tilman Jeremias emphasized that the Northern Church should act as a unifying force between East and West Germany. A survey showed that 61% of West Germans and 75% of East Germans see the divisiveness of reunification as predominant, underlining the urgency of the discussion. Pastor i. R. Eckart Hübener, a passionate advocate for democracy, provided personal insights into his experiences with SED injustice and the often lack of solidarity from church leaders. His example shows once again how important it is to include the perspectives of those affected in the process, as in epd is explained in detail.

A step into the future

Kühnbaum-Schmidt saw the expert paper as a “milestone” that should promote the unity of East and West. Their concern is that the Protestant Church takes responsibility and actively participates in the process of coming to terms with it. The paper will be discussed again in the upcoming state synod, and it is to be hoped that the voices of those who experienced the GDR period first-hand will take a central place in the discussion.

In a social climate in which it is often more about what divides than what unites, this commitment by the Northern Church offers a ray of hope. It shows that we look beyond our own horizons and actively address shared responsibility for the past. Together we can learn from history and thus shape the path into the future with more understanding and respect.