Resistance against Compulsory Incorporation

A regional synod, newly assembled on the Reich Bishop’s orders, forced Wurm to take retirement on October 9, 1934; an ecclesiastical commissar was entrusted with governing the regional church. Wurm did not yield to this order, continued to perform official duties and sought close contact with parishes. Placed under house arrest, the bishop explained the situation to the parishes in an announcement read aloud from nearly every pulpit on October 14 and, referring to the Apostle Paul, called for courageous endurance of the trial. He appealed to the parishes to remain united and to work, fight, suffer!