With the death of Cardinal Joachim Meisner, we are mourning the loss of an influential figure in the history of divided Germany. During his time in the GDR in particular, he was an indispensable voice for Christians of the Catholic faith and a regular contributor to debates on morality and society. His life and work are an enduring reminder to us, and also to me personally as a Lutheran Christian, that spiritual preconditions and ethical guidelines fashion and unite us as a society beyond the realm of day-to-day politics.

We will miss his critical voice.