The courageous priest from Schellerhau: hero of faith against the Stasi!

The courageous priest from Schellerhau: hero of faith against the Stasi!

In the picturesque region of the Eastern Ore Mountains, the legacy of Hans-Georg Günzel, a pastor who played an impressive role in the most turbulent times of the GDR, remains alive. Known for his rousing sermons and captivating photo lectures, the charismatic clergyman left Schellerhau in 1996, but not without leaving his mark. David Keller, who came to Schellerhau in 2017, remembers Günzel's lasting influence and describes him as a fatherly friend. Keller particularly appreciates his joy in life, strong faith and the courage to openly criticize the state. These attributes made him an important figure in the community.

In order to keep Hans-Georg Günzel's memories alive, he recorded his experiences in essays that were distributed throughout the community. In 2018, Keller suggested publishing these memories in the form of a book, but there was a lack of time and resources to implement it. Many hope that a printed version of his stories will appear one day. Günzel was a man who lived his own story in an eventful 20th century and influenced me in a very special way.

A life full of challenges

The story of Hans-Georg Günzel begins in Chemnitz, where he grew up in the loyal hands of memories of the Nazi regime and the Second World War. Like many others, he was affected by the bombing raids in 1945, which had a deep impact on him. After the war, the 14-year-old experienced the Soviet occupation and helped his family through dangerous hoarding trips to get food. Tragically, he was arrested by Soviet intelligence in December 1947 and sentenced to 25 years of hard labor. Günzel survived under cruel conditions in the Bautzen penal camp, where out of 27,000 inmates only 9,000 were released from the camp alive.

After prison, Günzel decided to become a pastor, which was not an easy decision at the time. He completed his high school diploma and studied Protestant theology in Leipzig, where he also met his wife Christel. The challenges during his studies and the persecution by the regime shaped his tenure in Schellerhau. During this time he led a lively community life and clashed several times with the GDR leaders, which led to resistance and difficulties. The Stasi also had their eye on him.

Resistance against the Stasi

In the GDR, church life was often characterized by repression. The Stasi monitored churches until 1989, and there were numerous attempts to suppress church activities. In addition to conducting church services, state security also focused on cultural events that enriched community life. Günzel, a pastor with a particularly open, communicative approach, was able to counteract the pressure to some extent through his contacts with West German communities and created spaces for exchange and encounter.

His resistance was more than just a courageous stance; it symbolized the fight for freedom of expression and freedom of belief at a time when such values ​​were often viewed as a threat in the GDR. Just as the churches in the GDR became the cradle of the Peaceful Revolution in 1989, Günzel also contributed to maintaining a democratic culture with his unshakable faith and commitment.

In summary, it can be said that Hans-Georg Günzel was not only a pastor, but also a humanitarian and a role model for many. His life's work reminds us that the light of hope and humanity can be passed on even in dark times.

In the hearts of many people in Schellerhau, Hans-Georg Günzel will continue to be remembered as a valued friend. For all those who knew him, he is and remains a symbol of courage, faith and the power of community.

For deeper insights into his story, we recommend the files and reports shared in the media landscape. That's how she writes it Saxon newspaper that Günzel’s influence also goes beyond Schellerhau. Additional information about his impressive life story and the challenges in the GDR published More serious, while the Federal Agency for Civic Education explains the broader context for the role of churches during this time.