Churches in Germany react to AfD posters: Religious structures cannot be used as propaganda material

In the German state of Lower Saxony, the use of church buildings on posters by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of local elections has sparked controversy. Some church administrations in the region have reacted to the practice, stating that the images were used without permission.

The administration of the Bramsche Protestant Church near Osnabrück opposed the use of church spaces and symbols in political party propaganda. The statement emphasized that, in their view, no connection can be made between the AfD's political line and the Christian faith.

The church administration stated that it is unacceptable for church buildings to be used for political goals that are said to contradict the fundamental values of the church. The administration of the Protestant Church of Hannover also advised local congregations to clearly distance themselves from the AfD's use of church photographs.

According to the Hannover Church, there are approximately six known incidents where the AfD featured church buildings on their local election posters. Alexander Hensel, a democracy researcher at the University of Göttingen, noted that similar posters had been used in limited numbers in local elections in other states previously.

Some church representatives also expressed concern that bringing the issue to the forefront too much could provide the AfD with additional visibility.

The AfD Osnabrück District Organization, in response to the criticism, argued that the church images were used solely to establish a regional connection with the settlements. The party organization claimed that they did not intend to create the impression that the congregations or clergy support the AfD.

News Source: 12punto