Standing Up for Human Rights. 85 Years of the Fire Sermons of Bishop Clemens August von Galen

About the conference: With his sermons against the euthanasia crimes of the National Socialists in the summer of 1941, Bishop Clemens August von Galen set a courageous example for human dignity. 85 years later, we look at our own time and ask, following the example of the Lion of Münster, how we can stand up for the right to life. The conference will take place at the Zwei Löwen Klub in Münster. Program: Saturday, October 31, 2026 9:00 AM Joint Mass in Münster (further information to follow) Block 1: "Woe to us all, if this be the case" (August 3, 1941) – von Galen's sermons and their impact 10:15 – 11:00 AM: Lecture by Father Markus Trautmann (Dülmen) "I raise my voice" Bishop Clemens August von Galen and the three great sermons of the summer of 1941 11:00 – 11:45 AM: Lecture by Father Dr. Josef Wieneke (Berlin) "Like wildfire through the whole country" Distribution and impact of the fire sermons of 1941 in their time 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch break with catering at the Zwei Löwen Klub 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Guided city walk in the footsteps of Bishop Clemens August von Galen Block 2: "No one is any longer safe in their life" (July 20, 1941) – Dangers for the Church under National Socialism 2:00 – 2:45 PM: Lecture by PD Dr. Maria-Anna Zumholz (Vechta) Why was Clemens August von Galen not arrested in the summer of 1941? Notes on the strategy of the NS regime's measures against Catholic bishops 2:45 – 3:15 PM: Coffee break Block 3: "Therefore I wish to speak publicly today" (July 13, 1941) 3:15 – 4:15 PM: Keynote speeches followed by a panel discussion Speakers include: H.E. Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Stefan Zekorn (Münster) Hedwig v. Beverfoerde (Magdeburg) 4:15 – 4:30 PM: Closing remarks and outlook Costs: Early bird discount until September 29, 2026 Participation fee adults: 49 € Participation fee pupils and students: 29 € Regular price from September 30, 2026 Participation fee adults: 59 € Participation fee pupils and students: 39 € Registration: Please register here for Standing Up for Human Rights. 85 Years of the Fire Sermons of Bishop Clemens August von Galen – The Action Right to Life for All.