Former pastor Werner Prieß receives the Cross of Merit for Charity

Former pastor Werner Prieß receives the Cross of Merit for Charity

On November 28, 2025, the Cross of Merit on Ribbon of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany will be presented to Werner Prieß in a solemn ceremony in the New Town Hall in Göttingen. At the age of 82, the former pastor is being honored for his many years of extraordinary commitment to social issues. This award is not only a personal recognition, but also a sign of appreciation for his tireless work for the benefit of the community.[Göttinger Tagblatt]

Prieß, who was born in Elsfleth in 1943 and grew up in Bremerhaven, began his career as a pastor in Göttingen. He passed his first exam in 1969 and took up his first pastoral position in Grasberg in 1971. Further stages in his career took him through various cities such as Bevern, Burgdorf, Einbeck and Celle, where he worked until his retirement. After his retirement, he returned to Göttingen with his wife and continued to do volunteer work.[Göttinger Tagblatt]

Volunteering

A particular highlight of his work is co-founding the Tobias Brotherhood in Göttingen, which takes care of funeral ceremonies for people without relatives. The brotherhood organizes these celebrations four times a year to ensure a dignified burial and thus combat the social coldness in our society. Prieß has been a member of this community for 16 years and has also provided voluntary representation services in various regions in eastern Germany for over 15 years.[Göttinger Tagblatt]

His involvement was not just limited to the Tobias Brotherhood. Prieß was also active as an emergency pastor, especially after the tragic train accident in Eschede in 1998, where he was able to provide comfort and support. These diverse achievements make him a role model for many and a person who puts human dignity at the center of his work.[BMAS]

The Order of Merit

The Cross of Merit that Prieß receives is the highest state award in Germany. The Federal Order of Merit was created in 1951 and can be awarded for achievements in a wide variety of areas.[Wikipedia]With over 262,000 people honored to date, the order is a symbol of recognition for achievements that have contributed to the betterment of society. The award is given at the suggestion of the respective federal minister and is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the German state.[BMAS]

At a time when the number of awards is decreasing, the importance of such awards remains undiminished. In recent years there has been a decline in annual awards from over 4,000 to under 1,500, which makes recognizing committed people like Prieß all the more important.[Wikipedia]

The awarding of the Order of Merit to Werner Prieß is a wonderful opportunity not only to celebrate his personal achievements, but also to honor the commitment of all those who put their heart and soul into helping others.