German Church Institutions Exhibit Empathy Towards German Weapons Manufacturers
German Church and Development Conference Criticizes Military Build-up Plans
The Joint Conference of Church and Development (GKKE), a coalition of Catholic and Protestant organizations, has criticized Germany's military build-up plans, linking them to problematic shifts in development policy priorities. Jörg Luer, CEO of GKKE, has expressed concern about the potential risks these plans pose to global development goals.
In a statement, Luer stated that the threat from the Russian Federation is real, and he urged a discussion on Germany's vulnerabilities and the best reactions to potential threats, in relation to the discussion about civil defense courses. However, he did not specify which potential threats he was referring to.
GKKE warns that increased military spending could undermine Germany's commitment to development cooperation and the achievement of global development goals, particularly those aimed at poverty reduction, peace, and justice. Specifically, they express concern about the reduction of public funds for development cooperation stemming from German government budgetary decisions that prioritize military expenditure over development aid.
For example, cuts to tax revenue funds available to churches for development purposes have already negatively impacted agencies like Misereor, the development agency of the German Bishops’ Conference, which is part of GKKE's network. These agencies have reported decreasing financial means due to the government's cutbacks linked to its military build-up plans.
GKKE warns of potential risks including the erosion of international development cooperation and solidarity with the global poor, the threat that heightened militarization poses to peacebuilding and justice goals that are fundamentally aligned with the Church's development mission, and a possible conflict between the pursuit of enhanced military capabilities and the ethical imperatives of development policy, particularly regarding support for vulnerable populations regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion.
Overall, GKKE calls for balanced policy-making that does not sacrifice development objectives and humanitarian commitments for military ambitions. They advocate for sustained and adequate funding for church-based and civil development agencies to continue work toward justice, peace, and global betterment.
In addition, GKKE emphasizes the need to strengthen German defense capabilities, acknowledges the security challenges facing Germany, and observes current developments with concern. Luer also reiterates the importance of prioritizing development policy, fighting poverty, and addressing climate change. However, he warns against self-reinforcing dynamics in the current build-up measures and fears that the current build-up measures could gain a momentum of their own.
GKKE publishes an annual report on German arms exports, but no new information is provided about it in this context.
[1] Source: GKKE press release, [date]
The CEO of GKKE, Jörg Luer, has also highlighted the energy sector, expressing concerns about the potential impact of increased military spending on Germany's commitment to a sustainable energy future, a key component of global development goals.
Moreover, Luer emphasizes the interconnectedness of industry, finance, and energy sectors in global development, stating that any imbalance in these sectors could have detrimental effects on development cooperation, peace, and justice efforts.
