The Beacon of Pastor Brüsewitz—GDR: Fifty years ago, Pastor Oskar Brüsewitz chose to die in a fire in protest against communism. Since then, he has been the subject of controversy and debate. But key documents were missing for decades: His personnel file was kept under lock and key. Now it’s open!
And finally, the SED’s narrative of the victim’s “mental illness” can be refuted. The file attests to the integrity and resilience of the fearless pastor. Furthermore, the sources show that it was not only the Stasi but, in particular, the People’s Police who had him in their sights from day one because of his church work.
A look back: On August 18, 1976, the Protestant pastor Brüsewitz set himself on fire in front of St. Michael’s Church in Zeitz, Saxony-Anhalt. He had previously protested against the educational and church policies of the GDR’s party and state leadership with a banner.
News of Brüsewitz’s self-immolation spread rapidly throughout the GDR. West German television and radio stations, which could be received in many places, had reported on the incident repeatedly beginning on August 20, 1976. In response, the GDR news agency ADN issued a report portraying Brüsewitz as mentally ill.
About 400 people attended the funeral on August 26, 1976, including 70 pastors in their robes. The funeral took place under the watchful eye and complete control of the State Security (Stasi). The event sheds light on the complex lines of conflict between Pastor Brüsewitz, the state, and the church.
PARTICIPANTS
- Helmut Matthies, eyewitness, theologian
- Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Stock, historian, author
MODERATOR
- Prof. Dr. Helmut Müller-Enbergs, political scientist, author
Additional information
Dates
September 2026
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