Regierungsbildung in Berlin: EKD-Ratsvorsitzende fordert klare Abgrenzung von Antisemiten

Kirsten Fehrs, the Chairperson of the Evangelischen Kirche in Germany (EKD), has called on political parties to clearly distance themselves from individuals who make antisemitic statements. Fehrs emphasized that there is no question of a party seeking government responsibility having to distinctly separate itself from those holding antisemitic positions. This statement was made as she opened the EKD Synode in Würzburg, considering the government formation in Berlin possibly under the leadership of the left-wing parties.

The context behind Fehrs' remarks revolves around the behavior of the left-wing party in Berlin regarding their controversial member, Vanessa Emde. Emde is refusing to comply with her party's directive to stand down as a mandate. She has been accused of denying the existence of Israel. This conduct has sparked discussions among the political circles. Emde was elected to her seat in the parliament on September 20.

Fehrs reiterated that the EKD applies the same standard to all parties. She stressed that human dignity, democracy, and protection against discrimination are non-negotiable. She staunchly opposes antisemitism, which she sees as fundamentally contradictory to the Christian faith. The EKD differentiates between the behavior of individual persons and the positions and decisions of a party as a whole.

The 7th meeting of the 13th Synode of the EKD will take place from November 1st to the 11th in the northern Bavarian town of Würzburg. The meeting, with discussion forums and working groups, is themed "Together Moving Forward - The Church as a Workshop for Democracy Education and Intergenerational Learning as an Expression of Believed Faith."

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is expected as a guest on Tuesday. The Synode is the parliamentary body of the EKD. There are approximately 17.4 million people associated with the EKD.