On a snowy Saturday in January, Bishop Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German bishops' conference, joined over 100,000 people in a demonstration against the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Limburg, Germany. The protest, organized to highlight opposition to racism and fascism, surpassed expectations with a turnout of 3,000 participants.

Dressed warmly in winter layers and sporting a flat cap, Bishop Bätzing stood out among the crowd as he held a banner declaring "Our alternative is called... respect and solidarity." The demonstration was supported by various groups, including Germany's Left Party, Green Youth, and the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).

The protest was prompted by a recently revealed secret meeting between AfD members, fascists, and financiers in which plans for mass deportations were discussed. The meeting, reported by investigative news outlet Correctiv, involved Austrian far-right activist Martin Sellner proposing a plan for the deportation of certain sections of the German population. Correctiv drew parallels between this proposal and the Nazis' plan to deport Jews to Madagascar during World War II.

While the AfD distanced itself from Sellner's views, concerns about the party's far-right agenda and its growing influence have been mounting in Germany for years. The AfD's success in the Bavarian and Hessian state elections in October has furthered these anxieties, as the party expands beyond its traditional support base in Eastern Germany.

The rise of the AfD poses both external and internal challenges to the Catholic Church in Germany. Several bishops have spoken out against the party, condemning its positions as incompatible with the fundamental values of German society. However, such explicit criticism of political parties goes against the general practice of Church leaders, who typically offer broad principles rather than targeting specific parties.

Moreover, the German bishops face an internal challenge as Catholics hold differing opinions on the AfD. While some Catholics align with the bishops' concerns about the party's anti-democratic tendencies, others are drawn to its stance on issues such as traditional family values. This division raises apprehensions that AfD sympathizers may gain influence within the Church.

As the German bishops grapple with these challenges, Cardinal Reinhard Marx and President of the lay Central Committee of German Catholics Irme Stetter-Karp have expressed opposition to AfD membership within Church offices. However, there is no consensus on whether to enforce a blanket ban, leaving decisions to be made at the local level.

The German bishops' stance on the AfD is expected to be a topic of discussion at their spring plenary assembly in Augsburg. While the bishops strive to uphold the country's democratic ideals, finding a unified position on the issue presents complex challenges.

Despite these complexities, the German bishops' active participation in mass demonstrations against the AfD emphasizes their commitment to promoting democracy, diversity, and tolerance in the face of far-right extremism.