Kirchentag 2025 in Hanover: Festival of Faith with 1,500 events!

Kirchentag 2025 in Hanover: Festival of Faith with 1,500 events!

The German Evangelical Church Congress will take place in Hanover this year from April 30th to May 4th, 2025. Under the motto “Courageous, courageous, strong,” the event expects around 1,500 programs that cover both spiritual and social topics. According to the University of Münster, the church meeting is a forum for the exchange of important social issues and a celebration of faith.

Anja Siegesmund, the former Thuringian Environment Minister, was introduced as the new President of the Kirchentag. She emphasizes the shared responsibility for society and quotes the philosopher Hannah Arendt: “When people come together, you have to expect miracles.” This shows how the Kirchentag, one of the largest civil society events in Germany, wants to promote interreligious dialogue.

Variety of topics and events

The plans for the Kirchentag cover a wide range of topics. These range from war and peace to democracy to climate protection and abuse of power. The program is divided into three main areas: spiritual-liturgical, socio-political and cultural. Particularly noteworthy are the discussion conferences on abuse of power in church structures and the increased Jewish-Christian dialogue, especially with regard to the current challenges in Israel and Palestine.

The involvement of scientists from the University of Münster is reflected in various workshops and panel discussions. Among other things, there will be a discussion on “East German – West German: more than just an attitude to life” with Prof. Dr. Give Detlef Pollack. In addition, workshops on topics such as religious policy and scientific exegesis are planned, which deal with practical preaching.

Event structure and offers

The event structure is designed to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Special offers are available at different venues for children, families and young people. Discussion about the life experiences of different groups – including young, older and queer people – will also be a central element of the program.

The Hanover Regional Church will bring in projects such as “Living in Diversity” and “Survival Questions for Young People”, while a new “round-the-clock sing-along church” approach will be introduced in the cultural sector. The goal is to create a space for the transmission of faith and community.

The German Evangelical Church Congress is an important platform that is also gaining importance beyond church boundaries. Kristin Jahn, the general secretary of the Kirchentag, would like to emphasize the role of religion as part of the solution to social problems. As Ralf Meister, the regional bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, emphasizes, the church congresses have always provided a significant stimulus for social discourse.

This variety of topics and formats will not only promote exchange, but also contribute to religion being seen as a powerful means of solving social challenges. Belit Onay, the mayor of Hanover, also highlights the city's religious diversity, which is instructive for peace and contributes to creating better coexistence.