Strengthening faith in Neuenmarkt: Kopp calls for mercy in the conflict

Strengthening faith in Neuenmarkt: Kopp calls for mercy in the conflict

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the Bavarian Evangelical Bishop Christian Kopp gave an impressive speech at the Steam Locomotive Museum in Neuenmarkt on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Railway Church. The entertaining comparison of faith to two steam locomotives illustrated the “double pull” of Christian faith necessary to show mercy in difficult times. In his speech, Kopp emphasized that faith is not only important for people's mental well-being, but also represents a source of support in everyday life that has existed for a century now. Kopp paid tribute to the pioneers of the 1920s who made it possible to build churches to promote the well-being of railway workers and bring God's love into their everyday lives, as [sonntagsblatt-bayern] reports.

However, his address was not only aimed at the local community, but also covered current global challenges. Kopp spoke forcefully about the Middle East conflict, criticized the ruthlessness and violence of both sides and particularly warned of the rising anti-Semitism in Europe. Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 would sustainably traumatize the country and massively endanger the hope for peace, said Kopp. He stressed the need to protect Jews and call for an end to violence in Gaza, while denouncing the intolerable living conditions for non-Jews in Israel.

Faith in the context of violence and peace

The entanglements between faith and geopolitical conflicts are not new, and the regional bishop recalled the importance of Jerusalem as an interface between different religions. Kopp made it clear that he rejects the questioning of Israel's right to exist, but at the same time emphasizes the rights of Christians and Muslims in Jerusalem. This weighing is also a reaction to the controversial statement by the World Council of Churches (WCC) that described Israel as an apartheid state, a statement that Kopp viewed as unhelpful for peace. The WCC, which was recently criticized by the Jewish organization B'nai B'rith over alleged allegations of anti-Semitism, has repeatedly emphasized that criticism of Israeli policy is not synonymous with anti-Judaism, as [sonntagsblatt] further explains.

The World Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ) also commented on the dramatic increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the country. On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the November pogroms, they emphasized that there must be no place for anti-Semitism in Austria and called for active protection for Jewish institutions. The accusation against anti-Semitic statements was also raised in the discussion about the WCC, which wants to ensure that no anti-Semitic sentiments are tolerated within its community, as [vaticannews] reports. The Austrian WCC appealed to authorities and civil society to take a decisive stand against anti-Semitism and for peaceful coexistence.

A call for mutual respect

At the heart of all statements is the urgent call that peace and mutual respect must form the basis for harmonious coexistence. The role of the churches, both in providing information and in protecting against discrimination, is of great importance. Concern about the increase in anti-Semitic incidents requires not only social action, but also a strong commitment to values ​​such as tolerance and understanding, which are needed more than ever in times like these.

In a world where conflict and prejudice are often at the forefront, faith, when lived, can act as a force that builds bridges instead of walls.