At the opening of the German Bishops' Conference autumn assembly, Bishop Heiner Wilmer reaffirmed the incompatibility between the AfD’s ethnic nationalism and Christian beliefs. Despite this fundamental disagreement, Bishop Wilmer stressed the importance of listening to voters who support the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. He cautioned against dismissing these voters but maintained the necessity of firmly opposing the AfD’s ideology. The bishop also warned against the dangers of left-wing populism, suggesting a need for critical engagement with political movements across the spectrum. This stance reflects a desire to understand the motivations of voters while upholding core Christian principles. The German Bishops’ Conference aims to address contemporary political challenges within a framework of faith and dialogue, even with groups holding vastly different viewpoints.