Catholic Bishops of Germany Issue Message Following Far-Right AfD Party Win "we will not remain silent when human dignity is violated"

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won a historic victory in the eastern state election of Saxony-Anhalt, marking the first time a far-right party has won a state election in Germany since World War II. [1, 2]
According to preliminary official results, the AfD won 43.8% of the vote, giving them 39 seats in the 83-seat regional parliament. While this is a large surge, it leaves the party just short of the 42 seats needed for an outright governing majority. [1, 2, 3] Following the election win, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Germany issued a statement of concern, stating, "we will not remain silent when human dignity is violated."
FULL TEXT Statement:
The Christian churches in Germany are jointly sending a message of hope.
"For a society that sticks together"

The following statements were made regarding the outcome of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt: Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, Chair of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD); Bishop Dr. Heiner Wilmer, Chair of the German Bishops' Conference; and Reverend Christopher Easthill, Chair of the Working Group of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK):

"We acknowledge that the AfD has become the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt by a clear margin. Our worst fears have been realized, but the result must be accepted. The churches are particularly concerned about the coexistence and cooperation of the people in Saxony-Anhalt, and especially about respecting the God-given human dignity that belongs unconditionally to everyone. This concern also extends to the free and democratic order in Saxony-Anhalt. We call upon the election winners to fully respect the state constitution and the Basic Law (Germany's constitution) and to uphold the dignity of all people, regardless of origin, religion, lifestyle, achievements, or position."

As churches, we are committed to the message of the Gospel and the Christian understanding of humanity. Based on this commitment, we will closely observe and critically monitor the political actions of the future state government. We will not look away, and we will not remain silent when human dignity is violated, our democracy is jeopardized, or the rule of law is undermined. For it is always about people who are under pressure, threatened, or marginalized. We will continue to support everything that sustains our democracy and contribute to social cohesion. This requires, above all, places of togetherness, dialogue, and understanding. Democratic parties have a responsibility here. Churches, too, can be important places of encounter.

An election result counts the votes cast on election Sunday. In everyday life, what truly matters is what holds this country together week after week. The election result reveals the extent of dissatisfaction and the loss of trust. This must be taken seriously. However, what remains unchanged is how many hundreds of thousands of people in Saxony-Anhalt and across Germany care for one another day after day, take responsibility, and support our society. We want to continue to highlight and strengthen their confidence, their willingness to help, and their commitment. Together, we will continue to work for a society that holds together – in responsibility before God and humankind.
Source: https://www.dbk.de/presse/aktuelles/meldung/die-christlichen-kirchen-in-deutschland-setzen-gemeinsam-ein-zeichen-der-zuversicht