Bethel under National Socialism

The first post-war years were characterised by severe supply shortages, the large influx of refugees from the East and the continuing lack of space due to destroyed care homes in Bethel.

Bethel's good relationship with the new British military government helped to ensure that at least the bare essentials could be procured. Donations, especially from abroad, contributed to the reconstruction of the damaged care homes.

With regard to his own role and responsibility under National Socialism, Friedrich von Bodelschwingh formulated the following in his Trinitatis letter in May 1945: "Shouldn't our testimony have been much braver and stronger?". He died on 4 January 1946.

Bethel was criticised in November 1946 when Margarete Himmler, the widow of the "Reichsführer SS" Heinrich Himmler, and her daughter Gudrun were accommodated in the institution until further notice. The management of the institution justified the decision with the Christian principle of forgiveness. By contrast, the denazification of Bethel employees and the admission of internees - both of which are still potential historical research topics - have been less well researched to date.