Kirche im Fokus: Zentralratspräsident Schuster fordert Mut zum Widerspruch

President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Josef Schuster, has urged society to speak out against injustice even when it requires great courage. During the Evangelical Church in Germany's (EKD) Synode in Würzburg, Schuster emphasized that standing up for what is right makes it easier for others to do the same. He called upon educators to intervene when students face racial insults from their peers, and urged people in various social settings to speak up against antisemitism.

Schuster noted that it can take courage to speak out to those we know well, but urged not to wait for someone else to make the first move. He warned against waiting for others to address antisemitic remarks or disparaging comments based on someone's background, skin color, or gender. As the EKD's parliament, the Synode is convening this year with the theme "Together Forward - The Church as a Workshop for Democracy Education and Intergenerational Learning as an Expression of Lived Faith."

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the guest of honor during the three-day event, which features numerous discussion panels and working groups. The Synode is set to convene in April 2027 in a newly elected format, with outgoing Präsident Anna-Nicole Heinrich not running for re-election. Former Transport Minister Volker Wissing (independent) is reportedly being considered as a potential successor. The EKD comprises approximately 17.4 million members.