CHURCH HISTORY
Studies in Christianity and Culture
ABSTRACT
A Tale of Two Leaders: German Methodists and The Nazi
State
by Roland Blaich
Concerned about the effects of hostile public opinion toward Germany in
Anglo-Saxon countries, Nazi officials approached German Methodist leaders
with the request to use their overseas ties in Germany's behalf. This study
examines the contrasting response of Bishop Nuelsen and that of his
successor, Bishop Melle, to the Nazi bid for assistance.
Both complied with
the Nazi request, most notably by means of lecture tours of the United
States. In their public statements they presented the positive achievements
of the Nazi state, emphasizing that they enjoyed complete religious freedom
in Germany. While on the surface their policy and cooperation with Nazi
authorities appears to have been similar, there were fundamental differences
between the two bishops not only in degree of collaboration, but also in
terms of premise and intent.
Bishop Nuelsen’s advocacy of German interests
was borne of moral constraints and the hope that he might influence Nazi
officials to moderate their policies. He saw it as the unique mission of
Methodism to witness against nationalism that was rampant in Germany and
elsewhere in Europe. Unlike most churchmen, he clearly perceived the perils
of Nazism, and soon found himself caught in a dilemma, having to choose
between personal integrity and his duties toward his church.
Bishop Melle,
on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the Nazi peril, and appeared to face
no moral dilemma. He sought collaboration in order to advance the interests
of his church, and because he saw it as a patriotic duty. Nazi authorities
rewarded their service by granting their church special privileges.
While
thus supporting the Nazi state, German Methodists were silent on the crimes
of the Nazi regime. German Methodist policy under Nazism parallels that of
other small denominations. Their experience raises questions about inherent
weaknesses in theology and piety.
Church History: Studies in Christianity & Culture. Vol. 70 No. 2,
June 2001.
