862.00 P.R./136
The Chargé in Germany (Gordon) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3.]
Sir:
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9. The Reorganization of the Evangelical Church. In accordance with Hitler’s wish, Chaplain Müller, his personal representative in the negotiations with the Evangelical Churches, has taken over the leadership of the “German Christians,” the Nazi organization in the Evangelical Church, replacing Pastor Hossenfelder. This change in the leadership is expected to clarify the situation created by the demands of the Nazis for religious Gleichschaltung. Chaplain Müller is a man of more moderate views than his predecessor, who believed apparently that the primary function of the Church should be to preach the gospel of the Third Reich. Under Chaplain Müller’s leadership, an agreement with other Evangelical groups on the highly controversial question of a Reich Evangelical Church seems now more likely.
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Respectfully yours,