Pastor Kingreen defends GARTISILKUNCHUTUNMS RUSTRUCK against criticism
Pastor Kingreen defends GARTISILKUNCHUTUNMS RUSTRUCK against criticism
In the middle of the continuing debates about the reconstruction of the garrison church tower in Potsdam, the Protestant pastor Jan Kingreen has acted actively against the prevailing criticism. The program board of the Garrisonkirche Foundation recently commented in an interview and took the view that the local discussion was shaped by misunderstandings. He reacted to concerns of opponents of the reconstruction, which fear that the new tower could possibly become the contact point for right -wing extremists.
"There are no starting points for right -wing or right -wing radicals in the church itself, in this place," emphasized Kingreen on Thursday in RBB24 Inforadio. "What happens here is the opposite. The garrison church is a place where we critically examine German history." This remark came as a direct response to the allegations that a reconstruction could open up old wounds and be misused as a symbol for a ethnic ideas.
Criticism of historical starting points
The fears of the critics are by no means unjustified, because the garrison church has played a controversial role in the past. However, Kingreen made it clear that the focus should be on dealing with history and dealing with the past. He explains that the municipal work has devoted itself to democracy in recent years. "We have been organizing workshops with young people for five years to raise awareness of democracy," he added.
This educational work is intended to promote a constructive and inclusive atmosphere that is accessible to everyone. The garrison church has therefore set itself clear goals that go beyond the mere reconstruction. The message that Kingreen wants to convey is that the construction of the tower should also act as a symbol of peace and democracy and can be understood as such.
The vision of reconstruction
The pastor states that there is a clear plan for the new garrison church tower, which should make it a place of dialogue and reconciliation. "We want to bring people together and create a space that promotes exchange," continued Kingreen. Those responsible see the Church as a platform for cultural and political discussions, which should also address the younger generations.
The examination of German history, as it takes place at this location, is important to prevent the mistakes from repeating the mistakes from the past. Kingreen emphasizes that the critical issues that are dealt with in the workshops are not an invitation for extremists, but an invitation to all citizens to deal with their own history and to take on responsibility.
In this regard, Königreen sees the garrison church as an element that is not only historically relevant, but can also have a positive influence on society. "We are aware of the responsibility that goes hand in hand with the reconstruction and are determined to use this space to impart values," he concluded the interview.
a new era of argument
The discussion about the reconstruction of the garrison church tower reflects a broader social debate about dealing with German history and the values of democracy. While the critics fear that the tower could become a symbol of rights, supporters like Pastor Kingreen make it clear that the focus should be on an inclusive and thoughtful dialogue. The garrison church could therefore not only act as a historical monument, but as an active place of learning and reflection and open a new era of understanding.
political context of reconstruction
The reconstruction of the Potsdam garrison church tower is not only an architectural project, but also an important symbol in the context of German memory policy. The garrison church was badly damaged in the Second World War and finally completely demolished in 1968. Their history is closely associated with the militaristic and nationalist heritage of the German Empire, the Weimar Republic and National Socialism. These backgrounds make the reconstruction a controversial topic, especially since many citizens and historians are concerned that the construction could increase historical revisionisms.
The city of Potsdam itself has a long and multi -layered story that is characterized by various political systems. After the Second World War, Potsdam was part of the GDR until reunification. Dealing with monuments and historical sites was in the GDR and then continuously a topic of social and political debate. In this light, the reconstruction of the garrison church is not only a restoration of a building, but also an examination of your own history of the city and the collective memory of Germany.
reactions from the public
The opinions about the reconstruction of the garrison church tower are heavily polarized. While some citizens regard the construction as a sign of hope and reconciliation, critics see it a potential source of danger for right -wing extremist ideologies. Recent surveys show that over 50 % of the respondents in Potsdam have concerns about possible instrumentalization of the building by right -wing groups. These concerns were expressed in various social media and public discussions.
An important element of public reaction is the role of education initiatives that try to promote an examination of the past. Events such as the workshops on democracy organized by the garrison church community should help to focus on an inclusive and critical reappraisal of history. Nevertheless, the challenge remains to coordinate the different perspectives of the population and to promote a dialogue that neither transfigures the past nor hides.
historical parallels
The reconstruction of the Potsdam garrison church tower is reminiscent of similar debates in other cities that fight with the processing of National Socialist and militaristic past. An example is the discussion about the reconstruction of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, which after the Second World War acts as a memorial and place of memory. As in Potsdam, critics also expressed concerns about the possible capture of the church through nationalist movements.
Despite these parallels, there are differences in approaches and political dynamics. In Berlin, the Memorial Church was interpreted as a symbol of destruction and reconstruction, while in Potsdam the focus is more on the political and social function of the new building. The dialogue between different social groups is of central importance here to develop a common understanding and to put the new building in a positive social context.