Overview
- The EKD released "Welt in Unordnung – Gerechter Friede im Blick," updating its 2007 doctrine after debates triggered by Russia’s war on Ukraine.
- It affirms that states may apply rechtserhaltende Gewalt only as a last resort to safeguard people and restore order.
- On nuclear weapons, the text keeps their ethical condemnation but says possession can be politically necessary under current global realities.
- The document calls for investment in defense, case-by-case scrutiny of arms exports to avoid escalation, and resilience against hybrid warfare and disinformation.
- Reactions split the church: peace commissioner Friedrich Kramer and peace groups reject any opening to deterrence, while leader Kirsten Fehrs also urged resistance to the AfD and said the EKD is still finding its position on a possible party ban.