Bischofsworte über den Nationalsozialismus

The pamphlet is a response by bishops to National Socialist ideology. It disregards the political aspects of the movement, concentrating on the ethical and religious side of the ideology. Bishop Bertram of Breslau’s “Open words during a serious hour at the end of 1930” is quoted at length. “Pastoral Instructions” (February 1931) issued by the Archbishops and Bishops of Bavaria and separately from Cologne (March 1931) are quoted from next. National socialists are not allowed to appear at church services with uniform or flag. If a member of the party is allowed to receive the sacraments or a Christian funeral, it needs to be determined on an individual basis depending on his involvement in the party. Kardinal Faulhaber’s sermon from November 1930 is also referred to. In Austria Austrian bishops issued warnings in a pastoral letter on February 7th, 1932. The final word belongs to the Pope who in an audience on December 6th, 1929, warned that exaggerated nationalism is a scourge, even a curse.