Prince Michael Salm - Identificational Repentance as German Nobility

Michael Salm is a member of the German nobility, and currently leads the association of European nobility. In this talk, he describes his heritage and background - both the glory, and the shame. Explaining his ancestors’ sins against the Jewish people, he repents to the gathering of mostly Messianic Jews.

Prince Michael, from a historically Catholic family, married Princess Philippa from the Castell family, a historically Lutheran family. He describes their marriage of reconciliation.

Talk given at a TJCII dinner in Dallas on 3 Nov 2016.


The concept of identificational repentance is not without controversy. If you are interested in learning more, below are two papers which address the theological basis of identificational repentance.

The short paper “Confessional Repentance (Vicarious Repentance?)” was written in 2004 by Helmut Eiwen, a non-denominational German pastor. It was originally written in German, with translation to English provided by Dr. John Martin. It provides a wonderful introduction to the concept of identificational repentance.

Dr. Gary S. Greig has written a very helpful and comprehensive academic treatise called “The Biblical Foundations of Identificational Repentance as One Prayer Pattern Useful to Advance God's Kingdom and Evangelism.” Dr. Greig surveys the Old Testament concept of confession and repentance, and discusses in some depth verses in Ezekiel (18:2) and Jeremiah (20:23) that are often cited to contradict the idea of corporate / national responsibility. He then addresses the question as to whether the New Testament ends the concept of corporate / national responsibility, or continues it. This is a very important resource for us at Christ the Reconciler.