The world has lost a great voice in the Central German Church with the passing of theologian and civil rights activist Friedrich Schorlemmer at the age of 80. Born in 1944 in Wittenberg, Germany, Schorlemmer played a significant role in the peaceful revolution in East Germany, gaining global recognition in 1983 when he melted down a sword in a symbolic act for peace at Martin Luther’s house.
Legacy and Impact
Schorlemmer was a key figure at the anti-government demonstration in East Berlin’s Alexanderplatz in 1989 and later co-founded the Democratic Awakening party before joining the Social Democratic Party. He believed in the importance of democracy, as evident in his statement that the demonstration on November 4 held more significance than the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the fight for democracy and human rights will continue to inspire generations to come.