Herr Hitler and the Lutherans The conflict of forces elsewhere
in Germany is mani- fest mainly in the ecclesiastical sphere, where the astonishing attempt to establish a German Protestant Church on Nazi lines is meeting with spirited and sustained opposition. The trouble appears to resolve itself into a question of personalities, with a much more important question of principle -behind it. The churches themselves (for several different communions have been united in the new officially-blest body) duly elected to the position of Primate, or Reich Bishop, Dr. von Bodelswingh, who appears on every ground to be admirably qualified for the position. But the " German Christians," the ex- tremist group within the Church, insist on the selection of Dr. Muller, a Nazi army chaplain, and with or against his will Herr Hitler has been compelled to back this candidate. What is to happen now is not clear. Dr. von Bodelswingh has been elected by the proper constitutional process, and it appears that the Chancellor will have either to accept him or else to impose arbitrarily an unwelcome substitute. In the latter event the Church is unlikely to become an asset of much value to the Nazi movement.
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