The bishop of the Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia, Christian Stäblein, has emphasized the importance of transparency in examining the corona pandemic. He urged open communication and acknowledgement of what has been learned from the situation to reconnect and support one another moving forward. Bishop Stäblein commended the efforts of those in politics and science for their work in combatting the pandemic and protecting lives.
During a church synod meeting, discussions focused on implementing strict coronavirus measures in churches, as well as addressing sexual abuse within the Evangelical Church. The church parliament plans to debate a proposal distancing themselves from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a right-wing extremist party. The church stands firm on defending democracy and the rule of law against any threats.
The church leadership has provided funds for further processing of sexual abuse cases within EKBO. The goal is to support victims, enhance prevention efforts, and establish an independent commission for addressing these issues. Provost Christina-Maria Bammel shared that investigations identified numerous cases of sexual abuse within the church from 1946 to 2020, and steps are being taken to address and prevent future occurrences.
Bishop Stäblein acknowledged the church’s responsibility in addressing sexual abuse and emphasized the need for accountability and change within the institution. He recognized the pain and betrayal that survivors have experienced and stressed the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals. The church is committed to addressing these issues and preventing future instances of abuse.
