Church and Politics Unite in North Rhine-Westphalia to Combat Rising Antisemitism

The New Year's reception organized by the Catholic Office of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) in Düsseldorf drew over 200 attendees, including prominent political and church leaders, who addressed the pressing issue of rising antisemitism in Germany. Key figures such as Cardinal Rainer Woelki, Dr. Antonius Hamers, and NRW State Parliament President André Kuper emphasized the importance of collaboration between church and state to promote social peace, human dignity, and democratic values.

Cardinal Woelki highlighted the church’s role in societal and political debates, stressing that while the church is not a political party, it must advocate for justice, human dignity, and the marginalized. He invoked the late Pope Francis's call for an "option for the poor" to bring a Christian perspective to public discourse. Addressing antisemitism, Dr. Hamers voiced concern over its increasing presence in Germany and underscored the vital role of interreligious dialogue among Catholics, Muslims, and Jews to strengthen religious cohesion. He also reinforced the need to defend democracy actively and foster European unity.

André Kuper acknowledged the challenges facing democracies today and called for heightened cooperation between political institutions and church organizations to restore citizens' trust. He expressed optimism about the new Pope, Leo XIV, who he said inspires hope during difficult times. Kuper also pointed to North Rhine-Westphalia's favorable conditions for building a good quality of life for its citizens.

This reception reflects a broader commitment in NRW to confront antisemitism through joint efforts between political leaders and religious communities, recognizing the role of interfaith dialogue and communal solidarity in safeguarding democratic values and social harmony. The unity expressed by participants underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to counter hatred and preserve peace in one of Germany’s most populous states.