# German religious leaders' response to AfD and social tension

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-religious-leaders-response-to-afd-and-social-tension
> Updated: 2026-09-27T11:52:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

German religious leaders have issued warnings regarding the political and social climate in Germany, specifically in relation to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Heiner Wilmer, Chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, criticized the AfD as “demonstrably nationalist and völkisch in orientation,” arguing that such ideologies undermine human dignity, freedom, and democracy. He stated that the Church would actively oppose these views.

Following this, Christina-Maria Bammel, regional bishop of the Evangelical-Lutheran Landeskirche in Braunschweig, addressed rising societal tension and radicalization. While acknowledging the dangers of social fragmentation, Bammel advocated for dialogue and attentive questioning rather than a “lecturing tone” when engaging with AfD supporters, suggesting that mutual listening is necessary to combat resentment and a lack of empathy.

## Claims

- The worst thing would be to stop speaking to one another. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bammel warns of increasing insensitivity and coarsening within society. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bammel advocates for listening and creating shared spaces when engaging with AfD voters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Bammel suggests that lecturing supporters of the AfD is ineffective. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Bishop Bammel calls for dialogue amid rising societal tension

Braunschweig regional bishop Christina-Maria Bammel warns of societal coarsening and calls for increased dialogue and empathy, particularly when engaging with AfD supporters.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bishop-bammel-calls-for-dialogue-amid-rising-societal-tension

### 2026-09-12: Bishop Heiner Wilmer criticizes AfD political stance

German Bishop Heiner Wilmer has criticized the AfD, labeling the party nationalist and stating its ideology contradicts Christian, Jewish, and Islamic values.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bishop-heiner-wilmer-criticizes-afd-political-stance

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Cite as: German religious leaders' response to AfD and social tension. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-religious-leaders-response-to-afd-and-social-tension