Klöckner attacks churches: too much like NGOS! - outrage great!

Klöckner attacks churches: too much like NGOS! - outrage great!

Julia Klöckner, the Bundestag president and CDU politician, has practiced sharp criticism of the political engagement of the churches in Germany in an interview with the "Bild am Sonntag". Klöckner described the churches as "NGOS" and expressed the desire for more meaning and clear statements on fundamental questions of life, in particular with regard to the beginning of life and end. Her statements, which were recently published in the press, have already triggered a wave of criticism, not least because of the provocative choice of words.

at a time when the discussions about social issues are more intensive than ever, Klöckner's conservative attitude flashes particularly clearly. She emphasized that the churches interfere too much into current political debates and named the discussion about a speed limit of 130 km/h as an example. According to Klöckner, the last public statements of the church representatives mostly come in the context of drastic questions such as the coordination of the Union with the AfD regarding asylum law.

ngos and the churches

The use of the term "NGO" in Klöckner's argument is considered controversial, since NGOs are usually civil society organizations with a positive image. In conservative circles, however, the term has become increasingly negative and is often used as a concept of struggle to suggest that churches are too politically progressive. Critics accuse Klöckner of equating the churches with NGOs to attach them to a leftist attitude.

Klöckner's assessment of the role of the churches during Corona pandemic is particularly violent. She claims that the churches have not adequately perceived their pastoral task, while critics indicate the active efforts of the churches to maintain services and pastoral care. This debate illustrates how Klöckner's statements polarize the social climate and lead to an increased between progressive and conservative positions.

The role of churches in society

The discussion about the influence of churches in politics is not new. A study by Prof. Dr. Judith Könemann showed that Christian churches in Germany are constantly involved in political debates. According to the results of the investigation, which is based on 1,500 media reports from 1970 to 2004, churches often use secular reasons in their arguments, with religious references being comparatively rare. In fact, no direct reference to God or Jesus can be found in 60 % of the statements examined.

The most common arguments that emphasize the churches relate to the protection of human life, human dignity as well as social and legal measures. Historically speaking, churches also act as lawyers of migrants, which underlines their role as significant civil society actors.

These dynamics, which show how the churches adapt their role in the face of social and political changes, demonstrated the diverse facets of their commitment. Among other things, influential contributions to debates about abortion and immigration can be demonstrated and in the context of conflicts, such as the church asylum in connection with the tightened asylum law of 1993, the churches became active. Klöckner's statements are part of a major discourse on the position and the influence of religious institutions in today's society.

The ongoing discourse shows that the influence of the churches on legal projects and social debates should not be underestimated - neither from politics nor from society as a whole. The question remains how the political commitment of the churches will develop under the current social conditions and whether Klöckner's criticism can actually lead to a fundamental reassessment.

For more information on this topic, you can view the study by Uni-Münster href = "https://rp-online.de/politikkunde/bundestagspraesidentin-julia-kloeckner-kirchen-s-s-s-und-kritiert_aid-12652981"> RP online