Here is the poem:
First they came for the Communists,
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the Socialists,
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me,
And there was no one left
To speak out for me.
While this is his most well-known work, Niemöller also wrote extensively on other topics:
* Theology and Christian Ethics: He was a prominent theologian and wrote several books on Christian ethics, including "The Last Supper" and "This Is My Body."
* His Experiences in Nazi Germany: He wrote several books about his experiences as a pastor during the Nazi era and his time in concentration camps, including "From U-Boat to Concentration Camp" and "The Guilt of the Churches."
* Peace and Reconciliation: He was a strong advocate for peace and reconciliation after World War II. He spoke out against the Cold War and the threat of nuclear war.
It's important to remember that the poem attributed to Niemöller is a powerful testament to the dangers of indifference, but its authorship is complex. Although it has been circulating since the 1940s and widely attributed to Niemöller, there is some debate about its origins.
Regardless of its origin, the message of the poem remains a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice, no matter who it affects.