»Christians question Chancellor Helmut Schmidt«

The 1981 Protestant Church Assembly is held during a tense period: a growing environmental and peace movement is criticising what it sees as the social-liberal coalition’s irresponsible nuclear and armament policies. Schmidt faces up to questions for a ZDF television programme from a select, overwhelmingly young audience at the church in Altona. In light of the Church Assembly’s motto of »Fürchte Dich nicht [Don’t be afraid]«, one young person feels moved to make the following comment to the Chancellor: »Your politics make me afraid«. Even during the event, protests against the planned nuclear »catch-up armament« are staged outside the building. Two days later, more than 100,000 people march through the inner city.