Kurt Walter – The Leader of the Confessing Church in the Free City of Gdańsk 1943-1942 Cover Image

Kurt Walter – przywódca Kościoła Wyznającego w Wolnym Mieście Gdańsku w 1934-1942
Kurt Walter – The Leader of the Confessing Church in the Free City of Gdańsk 1943-1942

Author(s): Lucyna Żukowska
Subject(s): History
Published by: Parafia Ewangelicko-Augsburska (Luterańska) w Gdańsku-Sopocie
Keywords: The Confessing Church; The Free City of Gdańsk; Evangelical Church of the Old Prussian Union; Kurt Walter

Summary/Abstract: Kurt Walter (1892-1963) was born in Gdańsk, died in Stuttgart. He studied theology and philosophy in Berlin, Tübingen and Königsberg. He volunteered during the First World War and although he was seriously wounded he served in the air force. In 1923 he started his ministry in the Free City of Gdańsk (WMG). He was a leader of the Confessing Church in Gdańsk from 1934. He protested against state interference into church affairs. In his sermons and journalism he exposed the falsehoods inherent in Nazi ideology. He informed both clergy and congregations about how members of the Confessing Church were sent to concentration camps, led prayers for imprisoned clergymen and organized help for persecuted Jews. In the spring of 1942 he was imprisoned, and sent finally to the concentration camp at Dachau. After his release he settled in Stuttgart, continuing his ministry service. In addition, he was active in the Bund der Danziger. Kurt Walter is presented in the context of the political situation in Germany and the Free City of Gdansk.

  • Issue Year: 2012
  • Issue No: 6
  • Page Range: 132-147
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Polish