This article aims to illustrate the social and emotional dynamics that developed within a small German evangelical community after the expulsion of most of its members from Lower Silesia and their integration into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) after World War II. The first part of the article deals briefly with the causes and the historical context in which this phenomenon took place. Then, it focuses on the Evangelical Church’s noteworthy contribution in the reception of expellees, specifically on the practice of sending Rundbriefe (circular letters), a postal system used by pastors in order to keep in touch with their parishioners spread all over Germany. The third paragraph concerns the role of these Rundbriefe in facilitating the integration of expellees into the new social context.
Cecilia Molesini (2022). From Lower Silesia to West Germany: The Forced Migration and Integration of an Evangelical Community (1947-1973). Wroclaw : Ośrodek “Pamięć i Przyszlośè”.
From Lower Silesia to West Germany: The Forced Migration and Integration of an Evangelical Community (1947-1973)
Cecilia Molesini
2022
Abstract
This article aims to illustrate the social and emotional dynamics that developed within a small German evangelical community after the expulsion of most of its members from Lower Silesia and their integration into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) after World War II. The first part of the article deals briefly with the causes and the historical context in which this phenomenon took place. Then, it focuses on the Evangelical Church’s noteworthy contribution in the reception of expellees, specifically on the practice of sending Rundbriefe (circular letters), a postal system used by pastors in order to keep in touch with their parishioners spread all over Germany. The third paragraph concerns the role of these Rundbriefe in facilitating the integration of expellees into the new social context.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
