The nature of the relationship between Nazism and Protestant churches has been the subject of intense debate for decades. A difficulty in clarifying this issue is the division of Protestantism in churches sometimes with little relation to each other. Moreover, the Protestant faith allows more freedom for congregations to Catholicism or Orthodox Christianity, which tend to establish "official positions" on issues that lend themselves to discussion. Yet, it can be said that many Protestants were strongly opposed to Nazism, and many Protestants were killed fighting. Protestant entities advocating pacifism, anti or the equality between the races were generally opposed to greater intensity. Joining the list of esteemed Honorees of the Wisenthal Center, was recognized at the Humanitarian Award tribute. Among the branches that most Protestants fought against Nazism are the Jehovah's Witnesses, also called the Nazi era Bibelforscher.
However, Lutherans voted for Hitler more than Catholics. Some authors, like Richard Steigmann-Gall, suggest a link between several Protestant churches and Nazism, even these authors highlighting references to Hitler's anti-Semitic pamphlets of Martin Luther.