Photo (detail): Harald Hauswald @ Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung
The GDR was not as aggressive in suppressing religious movements, as were other Eastern bloc countries. Occasionally, young people who were not allowed to pursue a successful career within the system, would train as theologians. Towards the end of the Socialist regime, churches became the main places where protest could be aired and diverging opinions expressed. The Blues masses were unique institutions in East Germany, where people would gather en masse to listen to Blues music, discuss politics and express religious devotion.
@ picture alliance/Benno Bartocha
November 11, 1989. Young people gather in a church in Neubrandenburg for a protest and church service.
@ picture alliance/Roland Holschneider
The tower of the Reconciliation Church (Versoehnungskirche), which lies directly behind the wall in East Berlin, is blown up on January 28, 1985.
@ Bundestiftung Aufarbeitung/Harald Hauswald
Young people attending a blues mass, Berlin, 03/06/1989. Blues masses were a mixture of live music, debates on social/political issues and religious services.
@ Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung / Jürgen Nagel
Churches become main places of organizing during the Peaceful Revolution.
East Germany (GDR) was ultimately unsuccessful in “shutting down” or completely controlling the Church, as an ideological opponent. Were there any instances when the GDR came close to silencing the Church? If so, how did that affect religious movements throughout East Germany?
Churches were breeding grounds for oppositon movements in East Germany. Why did they play such a central role for young and old dissidents? What were Blues masses?
