German Evangelical Church Offers Free Conscription Counseling to Young Men

The Evangelische Kirche Berlin‑Brandenburg‑schlesische Oberlausitz (EKBO) has launched a targeted outreach to 18‑year‑old evangelical men, sending them a postcard that asks, “To the Bundeswehr – or not? Your decision.” The church provides confidential, free counseling to help young people weigh the choice between voluntary military service and conscientious objection. This support comes as Germany’s new conscription model, effective from the start of 2026, requires all male citizens born in 2008 or later to complete a questionnaire and undergo a medical examination.

Bishop Dr. Christian Stäbleiner emphasized the need for “unpressured, conscience‑based decisions” in an increasingly insecure world, while Dr. Jan Kingreen, EKBO’s peace officer, described the counseling process as a search for personal values and responsible choice. The initiative is presented as part of the church’s broader peace work, aiming to empower youth to make informed decisions about military service.