Fight for the heart of the voters: Catholic Church warns of AfD influence!

Fight for the heart of the voters: Catholic Church warns of AfD influence!

In Saxony-Anhalt, the concerns about the upcoming state elections are increasing, especially with regard to the strengthening of the alternative for Germany (AfD). The Catholic Church has occupied clear positions in order to draw attention to the concerned political development. Mathias Bethke, the new head of the Catholic Office of Saxony-Anhalt, commented on the tense debate culture in the country, which is characterized by polarity and social hostility. In this mixing situation, he sees the church potentially "detoxifying" with the aim of strengthening social cohesion and giving valuable impulses. Bethke has only recently been in office after succeeding Stephan Rether, who led the office for over 26 years.

The Catholic Church in Saxony-Anhalt registered that Christians form the majority there less and less. Nevertheless, there is a strong interest in a Christian image of man that appeals to important topics such as the protection of human dignity. Bethke would like to use this access to make church inquiries to politics clearly and no -confidant. A central concern is to avoid misunderstandings and not to make the Church appear like a political party. After all, the dialogue between church and society is of central importance to actively address the challenges.

the AfD as a right -wing extremist movement

A crucial point in the current debate is the classification of the AfD by the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a "confirmed right -wing extremist movement". This is no coincidence; The state office evaluated numerous discriminatory statements by AfD officials. Stephan Rether, in his previous function as head of the Catholic office, emphasized that this classification was "appropriate and long overdue". He also hoped that this clear message to the electorate would initiate the necessary discussions, especially with regard to the upcoming elections next year.

scientific analyzes and the social dialogue

The more important efforts by church institutions such as the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD), which deals intensively with the relationship between religiosity and political culture, appear all the more important. A study funded by the EKD analyzes how parishes deal with socio -political challenges and which prejudices are common in society. The study is entitled "Between Charity and Differentiation" and thus offers valuable approaches for the churches to oppose right -wing populism and to promote an inclusive culture of debate.

Overall, it becomes clear that the upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt are not only a political, but also an ethical dilemma for society. The church, whether Catholic or Protestant, sees itself as a responsibility to raise its voice and to work for a respectful and appreciative dialogue.

More about the concerns of the Catholic Church in Saxony-Anhalt Read at Domradio.de to classify the AfD as a right-wing extremist movement at katholisch.de and on the study of the EKD at ekd.de .