German Catholic, Protestant leaders deplore AfD victory (Deutsche Bischofskonferenz)

In brief

German Catholic and Protestant leaders issued a statement on September 7, 2026, expressing disapproval of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Bishop Heinrich Wilmer, S.C.J., of Münster, joined by Lutheran leader Kirsten Fehrs and Christopher Easthill of the Association of Christian Churches, stated that the election result reflects significant public dissatisfaction and a loss of trust.

The leaders said the result must be accepted but noted that the churches are concerned about the coexistence of people in Saxony-Anhalt. They specifically cited worries regarding the respect for human dignity and the protection of the free and democratic order. Bishop Wilmer and the other leaders vowed to monitor the political actions of the future state government and promised to speak out if democracy or the rule of law are threatened.