Abstract

As a political precaution it must be stated that the theme of this essay uses a terminology which cannot be taken for granted in the country discussed. Representatives of the Protestant Churches in East Germany reject the designation peace-movement because they do now know that an independent political movement conflicts with their government's claim to a monopoly of political power. They speak of Christians “witnessing for peace” and this caution even in terminology shows that engagement for peace in East Germany is problematic. Thus, in this context, the participants operate in very different ways. Such linguistic caution at the grassroots level tends to be interpreted as a sign of hesitancy and lack of courage.