Joachim Heinrichs
Joachim Heinrichs (born June 4, 1889 in Burgörner-Neudorf , † March 13, 1955 in Schöneiche near Berlin ) was a German pastor and member of the Confessing Church .
Live and act
Joachim Heinrichs, a pastor's son, studied Protestant theology before the First World War with uncertain goals and some scruples , but did not yet graduate. He took part in the war as an officer and became hard of hearing as a result of an injury. The experiences made him complete his studies. In the Altmark he found a circle of pastors in the " Sydower Brotherhood " who had set themselves the goal of deepening theological work, especially through thorough reading of Luther's writings, and renewing church work and pastoral service in the spirit of the New Testament but also to address the intellectual disputes of the time, especially the questions of social justice and the meaning of people and nation. In 1930, during the beginning of the global economic crisis and the growing influence of National Socialism, he came from a country pastor's position in the Altmark as a pastor in Schöneiche.
In the church elections in November 1932 he found supporters to curb the onslaught of German Christians in Schöneiche. However, after the National Socialists came to power and a new election was forced, the church council consisted only of "German Christians". Only Pastor Heinrichs took a different direction. Inevitably, his sermons became offensive and he was reported for not following the guidelines. Thereupon Heinrichs joined the Pastors' Emergency League . With parishioners of the same conviction, Heinrichs formed a Confessing Congregation in Schöneiche as part of the Confessing Church, which was proclaimed at synods in Barmen and Dahlem in 1934 .
In the following years Heinrichs had to constantly fight against impairments in his work. At times he was even provided with a German Christian pastor. He was also accused - unjustifiably - of financial infidelity. When the Second World War broke out in 1939 , his removal from church service had already been decided, but the punitive measure was suspended because of the war. Many parishioners supported Heinrichs during these years and provided him with a new parish leadership in the form of the " Brother Council ". But Heinrichs did not limit himself to just words. He consciously took on the threatened community members of Jewish origin. It has become known that he not only helped Schöneich Jews, but also gave first accommodation to Jewish refugees from Berlin destined for deportation.
After the war Heinrichs participated intensively in the new beginning in the community.
Joachim Heinrichs was married to Klara Strauss, who had been a deaconess sister before they were married . They had four daughters.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Heinrichs, Joachim |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | German Protestant pastor |
| DATE OF BIRTH | June 4, 1889 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Burgörner-Neudorf |
| DATE OF DEATH | March 13, 1955 |
| Place of death | Schöneiche near Berlin |