Wiesbaden Churches Confront Antisemitic Imagery in Sacred Spaces on January 22
A public discussion in Wiesbaden will address the handling of antisemitic imagery in churches on January 22, 2026. The event, part of the city’s commemorative series January 27—Remembering the Victims, brings together religious leaders and experts to examine how sacred spaces can confront their problematic past. Organisers include the Protestant Deanery of Wiesbaden, the local Jewish community, and the Society for Christian-Jewish Cooperation.
The Protestant Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia has already begun systematically reviewing its buildings for artwork containing antisemitic or Nazi-era references. This effort reflects a broader shift: churches are now prioritising transparency over suppression, and critical analysis over silence.
Many reliefs, sculptures, and murals in Christian sacred spaces still carry centuries-old iconographic traditions rooted in anti-Jewish prejudices. The challenge lies in acknowledging this legacy while ensuring such imagery is neither ignored nor left unchallenged. At the Haus an der Marktkirche, Reverend Marion Gardei, the church’s commissioner for remembrance culture, will present findings from the ongoing examination. She will be joined by Reverend Markus Zink, the art commissioner for the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau, and Reverend Peter Noss, an expert in interreligious dialogue. Their discussion will explore how churches can balance historical accountability with the needs of contemporary worship. The event underscores a key principle: remembering the past requires moral clarity and open dialogue. By confronting these issues, organisers aim to turn sacred spaces into places of negotiation rather than unquestioned tradition.
The January 22 discussion marks a step toward addressing antisemitic symbols in religious art. Churches are increasingly examining their heritage, replacing silence with analysis and suppression with openness. The outcome will influence how institutions reconcile faith with the responsibility to confront harmful historical imagery.
