The vicious circle of violence can be broken by healing justice which does not concentrate exclusively on the punishment of the perpetrator alone, necessary as it is, but supports the victims of violence and their families and makes efforts to combat the causes of violent crimes. Far too little is still being done in Germany to help the victims of violent crimes and their families. There is a considerable shortage of places where they can receive aid and advice. Although assailed by the media initially, victims and their families are soon left to cope with their own problems. The use of violence as a way of resolving conflicts is often just accepted as a fact of life.
Many people look the other way when others are mistreated.
The churches should be places where Christians, through their words, deeds, prayers and work, witness to better ways of resolving conflicts in the individual and political areas using non-violent means. I ask all of you to speak out against capital punishment in services held on Human Rights Day. Put into practice what the 'Decade to Overcome Violence' proclaimed by the World Council of Churches is aimed at.