British Anglicans and German Evangelicals: the search for reconciliation in the years after World War Two

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this essay I discuss the encounter of the Church of England and the German Evangelical Churches in the aftermath of World War Two. Central to the relationship is the work of George Bell, Bishop of Chichester. He rebuilt links that had existed before hostilities started in an attempt to create a new theology for German political life. Bell was instrumental in the creation of a Religious Affairs Branch within the British element of the Control Commission Germany. As will be shown, he worked closely with the staff of the branch. In Germany throughout the period were Anglican members of the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. At the start they played a role in linking the local German churches with the British occupation authorities.