KURT WALTER – THE LEADER OF THE CONFESSING CHURCH IN THE FREE CITY OF GDAŃSK 1943-1942

Kurt Walter (1892-1963) was born in Gdańsk, died in Stuttgart. He studied theology and philosophy in Berlin, Tübingen and Königsberg. He vo¬lun¬teered during the First World War and although he was seriously wounded he served in the air force. In 1923 he started his ministry in the Free City of Gdańsk (WMG). He was a leader of the Confessing Church in Gdańsk from 1934. He pro¬tested against state interference into church affairs. In his sermons and journalism he exposed the falsehoods inherent in Nazi ideology. He in¬formed both clergy and congregations about how members of the Confes-sing Church were sent to concentration camps, led prayers for imprisoned clergymen and organized help for persecuted Jews. In the spring of 1942 he was imprisoned, and sent finally to the con¬centration camp at Dachau. After his release he settled in Stuttgart, continu¬ing his ministry service. In addition, he was active in the Bund der Danziger. Kurt Walter is presented in the context of the political situation in Ger¬many and the Free City of Gdansk