03/06/2026
Statement: For Spiritual Self-Determination – Against Lack of Transparency and Dependence
Currently, on the campus and in the dormitories, certain religious groups are repeatedly promoting their activities, for example with an “invitation to a Bible study group and worship service for students.” These invitations provide only a contact person, but no transparent information about who or what is behind the invitation. Inquiries are not answered concretely, and the underlying structure is obscured.
In many university towns, sectarian movements and special religious communities are attempting to recruit members in this way: an attractive presentation and appealing offers, but no transparency regarding who is behind them or how the offer should be classified. It is not uncommon for students to end up in spiritual and sometimes even financial dependencies, leading to social isolation, because a group demands that they give up contact with non-members. The South Korean sect “Shincheonji” is currently particularly active in university towns across the country.
As religious college groups on campus, we actively promote explicitly religious activities, but we always make it clear which organization is behind them and what our guiding principles are. Through institutional safety protocols and targeted events, we foster spiritual self-determination and allow everyone the freedom to participate in these activities.
In this regard, we take a clear stand for transparency and self-determination and strongly caution against allowing oneself to be unwittingly drawn into dependencies with organizations that operate opaquely and seek to intrude into one’s private life. The best protection against oppressive sectarian movements and religious sects is to look closely at who is promoting an offer and for what purpose, and to discuss with others who is behind it.
If you are unsure, we recommend contacting the Nordkirche’s advisor on worldview issues or other state or church authorities.
