History of Germany (1945–90) German exodus was continuing apace; more than 117,000 left in January and February 1990. In early February 1990, the Modrow government's proposal for a unified, neutral German state was rejected by Chancellor Kohl, who affirmed that a unified Germany must be a member of NATO. Finally, on 18 March, the first free elections were held in East Germany, and a government led by Lothar de Maizière (CDU) was formed under a policy of expeditious unification with West Germany. The freely elected representatives of the "Volkskammer" held their first session on 5 April, and East Germany peacefully evolved from a communist
International Council of the United Methodist Church in Germany and Frankfurt. Pastors who have served these congregations (and their countries of origin) follow: International Council of the United Methodist Church in Germany The International Council of the United Methodist Church in Germany (Internationaler Ausschuss) grew out of a pilot project approved by the United Methodist General Conference in 1988. It involved cooperation of three general agencies of the church (Discipleship, Chaplaincy and Global Ministries) and the United Methodist Central Conference in the Federal Republic of Germany and West Berlin. Bishop Hermann Sticher DD was an initiator of the work. Bishop Dr. Walter Klaiber presided over most of its life.