80 years later: From the liberation to responsibility for our values ​​

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Churches: May 8, 1945 was the day of liberation and departure

May 8, 1945, the two great Christian churches in Germany refer to a new, better time "as" Day of Liberation and the Departure ". On this day, the Second World War ended in Europe, which cost millions of lives and left Europe in ruins. The church leadership, represented by the chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, and the Council Chairman of the Evangelical Church in Germany, Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, emphasizes that the end of the war also an era of reconciliation, peace and European integration.

In their joint explanation, the churches emphasize the responsibility, which is important for the memory of the past and for the design of the future. They draw attention to the fact that the democratic order in Germany did not have enough defenders during the Nazi rule, which opposed the challenges of the time. These failures led to an erosion of fundamental values ​​and ultimately to the fracture of civilization.

The representatives of the churches underline that the rise of National Socialism was partially promoted by fears and uncertainties within the population. These fears went hand in hand with the desire for a radical transformation of social conditions and a departure from the Christian and humanistic values. The churches see it as their duty to preserve the collective memory and at the same time remind you of the need to fight against the relativization of basic human values.

In addition, the churches remind you of the European reconstruction and the associated global peacekeeping, which began with the commitment of the states on non -violence and human rights in 1990. These agreements marked the beginning of a new age for Europe, which is characterized by the hope that guilt and violence do not have to have the last word.

Nevertheless, the defense of freedom, peace and human dignity is not only at stake through external threats. The will to defend these values ​​and apply the teachings from the past remains of central importance. In an appeal to society, the churches emphasize that gratitude for reconciliation for reconciliation grows to actively oppose any form of violence and misanthropy. The commitment to a peaceful future must remain a permanent goal.