„Wir sind nicht angetreten als Solidarność der Ärzte“

Abstract

The “Association of Christian physicians” (AGCA), founded in 1982, offered physicians being involved in the institutions of the “Diakonische Werk of the GDR” (protestant welfare agency) on its annual meetings the unique opportunity to exchange views on topics regarding their profession and ethics across hierarchical boundaries and specialist fields. This study discusses in detail the different motives provoking its foundation against the background of the political developments and those specific to diaconia. In addition, it considers the working focus of its executive board and its first annual meetings, including the role played by the AGCA on the occasion of the political turn in 1989. It becomes apparent that the Association despite its specificities (Christian-diaconical self-image, its integration in an international movement) showed conflicts and behavioural patterns that were typical for the physicians of the GDR in the interplay between employers, politics and its self-image.