- The garrison church serves as a fortress guarding against forgetfulness.
Evangelical Bishop Christian Stäblein views the renewed Garrison Church tower in Potsdam as a reminder not to forget the past. He stated, "It should function as a lookout post, ensuring we never become devoid of history, never forget the damage, confusion, and atrocities carried out under this roof's name, the desecration, and the loss of peace - tragically putting it mildly, which were even blessed." Bishop Stäblein from the Evangelical Church Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia spoke ahead of the church's grand reopening.
The German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier inaugurates the refurbished building today with a ceremony and speech. However, the reconstruction has faced criticism. Critics cite the infamous Potsdam event in March 1933 when then Reich President Paul von Hindenburg shook hands with Adolf Hitler, the new Reich Chancellor, in front of the church.
Bishop Stäblein mentioned an exhibit in the church that presents the story unsparingly and criticizes the whole episode. The reconstructed church has stirred controversy, with several groups opposing it. They fear it symbolizes militarism and could potentially serve as a gathering point for neo-nazis.
The anti-Garrison Church citizens' initiative, "For a Potsdam without Garrison Church," has planned a protest, describing the church as a "symbol of terror." The Evangelical Church aims to transform the refurbished building into a center for peace promotion and democratic education.
Pastor Jan Kingreen reinforced these sentiments, dismissing fears of right-wing radicals entering the church. He explained, "There are no inroads for right-wing extremists in the church itself. In fact, it's exactly the opposite of what we're doing. We're delving deep into the history mercilessly. (...) That certainly doesn't please anyone who is right-wing radical." There are also stringent regulations controlling the church and its surroundings.
Bishop Stäblein believes the tower symbolizes both a testament against oblivion in light of the explosion and a pointer towards heaven, showing reverence for God.
The public can visit the tower from Friday. The Garrison Church Foundation aims for approximately 80,000 to 90,000 visitors annually. By 2026, a 30-meter high dome is projected to be added to the structure, making it Potsdam's tallest building at 90 meters.
The church reconstruction's total costs were approximately 42 million euros, with the federal government contributing nearly 25 million euros. Financing disputes have also arisen.
The refurbished Garrison Church, with its towering structure, now houses an exhibit that critically examines the Potsdam event of 1933. Bishop Stäblein frequently visits the Garrison church's Garrison church, viewing the restored tower as a constant reminder of historical atrocities.
