Who we are and what we do
The Protestant Church in Germany
The Protestant Church consists of people who belong to it, get involved and want to share their faith. Most of them were baptised as children and affirm this step later when they are confirmed. Others join the Protestant Church as adults.
A church with active participation
Talking about God and the world, praying, singing in the choir: faith and life belong together. That starts in the family and continues in the congregations. Beyond the Sunday morning service, they are a meeting place for all kinds of activities. The congregations form the basis of the Protestant Church
Each congregation belongs to one of the 20 regional Protestant churches that together make up the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD).
Church in the region
Whether in worship services, with church music or other activities – the regional churches support the ministry of local congregations.
Furthermore, they offer ethical orientation concerning current political issues, engage in peace-building initiatives and education, are active in diaconal ministry, work with refugees, promote environmental protection and foster ecumenical relations. Every regional church is governed by its synod.
Synods are made up of church employees and lay people; they make decisions for the regional church regarding all areas of church life.
Church for everyone
At the federal level, the EKD supports the regional churches in fulfilling their responsibilities. It promotes activities that are important for the whole Protestant Church, for instance, diaconal ministry, mission, education and cooperation with other churches. And, with a standpoint based on the gospel, the EKD takes a public position on contemporary issues being debated in society.
Ecumenical relations and ministries abroad
As part of global Christianity, the EKD keeps up a variety of ecumenical relations. It has bilateral links with partner churches all over the world and is a member of ecumenical organisations such as the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe, the Conference of European Churches and the World Council of Churches. For German-speaking Protestant Christians living abroad, it provides a spiritual home in EKD-related congregations.