The Richard Wurmbrand case

Examined on the background of the relations between the Protestant Churches in Germany and the Orthodox Church in Romania during the Cold War (1945-1980)

Abstract

This research in contemporary church history at Tübingen University focuses on the specific “case” of Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, which took place in the turbu- lent phase of upheaval between the late 1960s and early 1970s in Germany. Being known for his books “Tortured for Christ” (1967) and “In God’s underground” (1968), etc., Wurmbrand supported the Christians in suffering and persecution “behind the iron curtain”. All this happened after Wurmbrand had been freed in 1964 with the help of the “Norwegian Israel Mission” and Christian Jews from Eng- land. He then came to the West in 1965 and raised his voice for the “voiceless”. But his efforts to “enlighten” people on this “real existing” socialism were not only met with open interest, but also provoked harsh criticism from a number of Protestants in West Germany accusing Wurmbrand of “anticommunism” and considering him a “troublemaker” for the East-West détente.