Theologian urges German churches to mediate political polarization

Theologian Reiner Anselm is calling on German churches to take a more active role in mediating between conflicting political camps. Following recent elections, Anselm suggests that while churches must clearly distance themselves from the AfD, they should also investigate the underlying motives of voters who support the party.

Anselm argues that the church’s current approach—addressing social concerns by promoting a course of societal modernization—is often perceived by citizens as dismissive or excessive. He suggests that the church risks becoming a “loser” in the electoral sense by failing to address the emotional and cultural anxieties of voters who fear significant changes to their social environments.

Parallel discussions regarding the rise of the AfD emphasize that the “social question” extends beyond mere financial distribution. While economic inequality, rising rents, and wealth gaps are critical, there is a growing argument that social issues must also encompass human dignity, recognition, and a sense of belonging to address the drivers of right-wing radicalization.