The Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia’s bishop, Christian Stäblein, emphasized the importance of transparency in examining the coronavirus pandemic. He urged open discussions and recognition of what has been learned from the situation to reconnect and support one another in moving forward. Bishop Stäblein commended the efforts of those in politics and science for their work in combating the pandemic and protecting lives.
During a church synod meeting, discussions focused on implementing strict coronavirus measures in churches and addressing sexual abuse within the Evangelical Church. The church parliament plans to debate a proposal distancing themselves from right-wing extremist party Alternative for Germany (AfD). The church stands firm on defending democracy and the rule of law against any threats.
The church leadership provided funding for further processing of sexual abuse cases within EKBO 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 accountability and change within the institution. He recognized survivors’ pain and betrayal experiences and stressed creating a safe environment for all individuals while preventing future instances of abuse.
In conclusion, Bishop Stäblein highlighted that transparency is critical in understanding the pandemic’s impact on society. The Evangelical Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia is committed to providing support to victims while taking proactive measures to prevent future instances of abuse.
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