German churches caution conservatives about the crackdown on immigration

The conservative opposition's plan to cut down on immigration has drawn criticism from the German Catholic and Protestant churches on Tuesday, who claimed it may violate a rule that forbids mainstream parties from working with the far-right. "We find the present debate's timing and tone to be quite odd. In a joint letter to parliament seen by Reuters, the representatives of both religions stated that “it is likely to discredit all migrants residing in Germany, to stir up prejudices, and, in our opinion, does not assist to solving the underlying difficulties." "The two major churches hereby point out that, according to current knowledge, the proposed changes to the law would not have prevented any of the attacks," read Prelate Karl Juesten, head of the Commissariat of German Bishops, and Prelate Anne Gidion, representative of the German Protestant Churches Council (EKD). The churches emphasized that, for the first time in German post-war history, the CDU/CSU is running the risk of violating a taboo against collaboration with the far-right. "We fear that German democracy will suffer massive damage if this political promise is abandoned," they wrote. The CDU, or the Christian Democratic Union, and its Bavarian sister party Christian Social Union (CSU), often commonly related as the "Union", were founded shortly after World War Two, and represent an "honest reflection of Christian and Western values", according to the CDU's website, opens new tab. According to the latest church statistics from the Interior Ministry, about half of the German population belongs, opens new tab to Christian churches, with the Catholic and Protestant denominations represented in nearly equal proportions. The churches' warning comes amid growing concerns that the conservative bloc's rhetoric on immigration could deepen social divisions and fuel support for far-right groups like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Analysts argue that while immigration remains a key political issue, framing it in a way that alienates migrant communities risks undermining Germany's long-standing commitment to integration and human rights. Church leaders have historically played a mediating role in political discourse, advocating for policies that balance national security with humanitarian responsibilities. As Germany grapples with demographic changes and labour shortages, many believe that a more pragmatic and inclusive immigration policy is essential for long-term economic and social stability. Furthermore, the churches stressed that political leaders should focus on pragmatic solutions rather than inflammatory rhetoric that could deepen societal divisions. They urged policymakers to uphold Germany’s tradition of providing refuge to those in need while implementing fair and effective immigration policies. Many religious and civil society groups fear that aligning with hardline anti-immigration stances could erode Germany’s democratic values and tarnish its international reputation as a nation committed to human rights. As debates over immigration intensified, the churches called for a more compassionate and fact-based approach that considered both Germany’s economic needs and its moral obligations.

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