Excitement on Kirchentag in Hannover: "Is my son dark enough?"

An offer at the Kirchentag in Hanover makes many baff. White children are excluded. Can that be okay?

"Be brave and strong" – this is the hearty title of a children's workshop at the Evangelical Church Day in Hanover, which is currently taking place. However, this does not work well, because permission to participate depends on racist criteria: The workshop is only open to non-white children. White children must not become bold and strong. A commentary by Vanessa Renner It probably does not really want to work with anti-racism on the Protestant …

The Protestant Church Congress in Hanover aims to be a space for social debate. However, two workshops on racism and empowerment are causing fierce controversy. Critics are citing the exclusion of white children and warning of an ideological divide within the church.

At the Evangelical Day in Hanover, which began on Wednesday, one program item attracted particular attention and a wave of criticism. The workshop, entitled "Be Courageous and Strong," is intended exclusively for children who are not white. The official program clearly states that the offer applies "exclusively to black, indigenous and colored children," which effectively means: if a child has light skin, he or she is excluded from the event.

All children are equal before God – but not on the church day. White children must not be "courageous and strong". The church expressly excludes them from the corresponding workshop.