The discussion, initiated by Professor Heinz Kleger of the University of Potsdam, was inspired by the 1685 Edict of Potsdam in which Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, encouraged exiled Huguenots to immigrate to his principality, granting them numerous privileges. Kleger suggested to involve the whole community in creating a new "Edict of Tolerance" for Potsdam. Potsdamers were invited to express their ideas on post cards, big boards on public places, and in discussion forums, including an on-line forum. After collecting and evaluating the results, proWissen Potsdam presented them in a 3-week exhibition in the Bahnhofspassagen (the shopping mall inside Potsdam's central train station), attracting more than 1,000 visitors, and issued the publication "Potsdam's Edict of Tolerance. Promoting an Open-minded and Tolerant Citizenry."

The response from the public and the media exceeded our expectations. The growing number of institutions in the city that have publicly committed to the idea of tolerance indicates the willingness of Potsdamers to put the idea into practice. The process will be continued, check out our website Potsdamer Toleranzedikt for the latest information on this issue.

» Potsdamer Toleranzedikt (in German)