On February 13th 1945 – just a few weeks prior to the end of the war that had already been decided – air attacks on Dresden reduced the Frauenkirche to rubble. For decades, these ruins were an indictment and a reminder for all peace-loving people. In the difficult times of political suppression and the build-up of arms throughout the world, young people never stopped lighting candles and placing them amid the ruins. This form of non-violent protest was intended to give a sign of hope that peaceful times, justice and normal life would return. And yet, the ongoing deterioration of the ruins that remained couldn’t be stopped. Their protection and conservation would require significant structural and financial efforts. 
 
We know that our regional Church of Saxony has no funds for rebuilding the Frauenkirche. We know that neither our city nor our regional state government can finance this redevelopment. We know that churches in the Federal Republic of Germany have helped build many churches in our land. We know too that, in view of the deteriorating state of many buildings, general construction and maintenance work is more important than rebuilding the Frauenkirche. 
 
Nevertheless, we cannot accept that this wonderful, unique building should stay a ruin or, worse still, be demolished completely and the site cleared. We therefore appeal to people all over the world to launch an initiative for the reconstruction of the Dresden Frauenkirche with the aim of making it a global Christian centre of peace in the new Europe. In this church, the gospel of peace should be proclaimed in word and music, images of peace should be shown, peace research and education should be facilitated. As such, an architectural artwork of unique value, which is inextricably linked not only to the name of its great builder George Bähr, but also to the names Gottfried Silbermann, Johann Sebastian Bach, Heinrich Schütz and Richard Wagner, would return to the fold of the world’s cultural heritage. As such, a testimony in stone to Christian faith would be recreated; a church that was built by the Protestant community on the foundations of Dresden’s oldest church. As such, one of central Europe’s most beautiful cityscapes would regain its most outstanding jewel, the ‘Stone Bell’, without which Dresden’s reconstruction would remain piecemeal. We are calling for the creation of an international foundation for the reconstruction of the Dresden Frauenkirche, which should also be included on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. We appeal above all to those countries that fought in the Second World War. We are painfully aware that Germany started the Second World War. Nevertheless, we call upon the victorious powers and the many good-willed people in the US, the UK and all over the world – let us together build this European ‘House of Peace’! We appeal to Dresden people living near and far – show your gratitude to your home city by donating towards the reconstruction of the Frauenkirche. 45 years after its destruction, the time is ripe to resurrect the Frauenkirche as an essential part of our European cultural heritage. 
 
This is why we citizens of Dresden are appealing to you all for help.