"Turning point" in peace ethics - Critical sideways glances at the new peace memorandum of the Protestant Church in Germany

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shaken many supposed certainties. Is the rhetorically proclaimed political "turning point" now being followed by an ethical turning point? In November 2025, the Protestant Church published a new peace memorandum, which was already accompanied by fierce controversy during the drafting process. It is not surprising that fundamental lines of tension have emerged. The serious issues of war and peace are controversial - and rightly so, and not just among Christians.

The Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate, the Protestant Academy of the Palatinate and the Peace Institute of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Freiburg want to take a critical look at the new peace memorandum and favor side views. For this reason, people who were not involved in the creation of the text will have their say. Why does the church comment on peace ethics issues and what is its purpose? What is Protestant or Christian about the Protestant peace ethic? Is the new basic text politically viable? Does it take global perspectives into account? Does it have an impact on peace education? Will it be accepted in the public debate - or will it remain a text for church insiders? The conference is also a study day of the Conference of Protestant Peace Work in the EKD region.

You can register for the event here.