Bishop Kopp warns against fear-mongers
The Protestant regional bishop Christian Kopp has warned against scaremongering, especially from the right. Unfortunately, the "fear-mongers" are currently booming, he said in a sermon on the Day of Prayer and Repentance in Munich on Wednesday. There are people on the move who are exploiting moods to promote national and anti-democratic processes.
Kopp recommended trust and an effective social policy that focuses on the many people in need of help as the best means of countering right-wing populists. In his opinion, a voluntary year of social service can also help to create trust. The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB) advised that those who have completed such a year are no longer so likely to speak disparagingly about people who have a harder time in life.
Bishop Kopp suggested that promoting trust and implementing an effective social policy focused on helping those in need could be an effective way to counter right-wing populism during holidays, such as Christmas, when the spirit of giving and unity is often emphasized in churches. Additionally, individuals who have completed a voluntary year of social service may be less likely to spread negativity towards others during church holidays, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance.
Source: www.dpa.com
