The Protestant Church and Forced Labor

Over 12,000 forced laborers worked in church und diaconal institutions in Germany in World War II. They were but a small part of the over 700,000 that had to perform forced labor in Germany.

They were set to work in agriculture, in institutions’ nurseries, housekeeping and workshops, at church cemeteries and not least also as caregivers in hospitals, children’s homes and nursing homes.

Forced laborers’ service in church und diaconal institutions did not differ fundamentally from other public domains. Poor work conditions, poor living conditions and insufficient food tended to be the rule rather than the exception. Frequent reports of relatively better treatment in church and diaconal institutions, was likely related to the fields of work. After all, the situation was frequently better in agriculture in particular and contact between locals and strangers was sometimes easier.

The history of forced labor has only entered the public eye more greatly in the last decade. After reunification, the topic of forced laborers entered the realm of politics more and more, even internationally. At the same time, research has been stepped up. The establishment of the foundation “Remembrance, Responsibility and Future” resolved the political issue of restitution.

Protestant church and diaconal ministries also contributed significantly to this foundation. At the same time, the churches began pressing ahead with research on this unfamiliar and ignominious chapter of their own history and with their own reconciliation work.