The Protestant Church Congress

The German Protestant Church Congress will be held in Hannover in 2025

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, the state of Lower Saxony, and the city of Hanover have invited the German Protestant Church Congress to be held in the state capital of Lower Saxony in 2025. This marks a return to its roots for the major Christian event, which is held every two years in a different city. Reinold von Thadden founded the German Evangelical Church Congress as a movement in Hannover in 1949. The event subsequently returned to the city on the Leine in 1967, 1983, and 2005.

The theme—or, in a sense, the motto—for the 2025 Kirchentag in Hannover is "courageous—strong—resolute." Around 1,500 events are planned over five days. The Kirchentag always begins on Wednesdays with an opening worship service and the “Evening of Encounter”: a colorful street festival in the city center where church congregations, as well as non-church projects, initiatives, and groups from the region, introduce themselves—with music, cabaret, and culinary treats. From Thursday through the closing service on Sunday, the program features workshops, exhibitions, concerts, church services, Bible studies, evening meals, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and much more.

But Kirchentag is more than just a five-day major event. It is an invitation to everyone to join in the celebration, get involved, share ideas, and help shape the program. Kirchentag inspires responsible action and sets the agenda. Kirchentag brings people together who find strength in their faith and discuss the issues of our time: How can we shape the world of tomorrow together?

And: the Kirchentag is a very special community experience. There are numerous opportunities to participate, contribute and volunteer:

• Get involved in the Kirchentag, share your ideas, and help shape the program: Submit stage performances, choirs, information booths, exhibitions, workshop ideas, and much more at kirchentag.de/participate
• Helping out as a group or individual: great, because there is no Kirchentag without helpers. Registration is possible from fall 2024. Information is available at kirchentag.de/help
• Advance ticket sales have already begun. The Kirchentag is also providing updates on all important news and developments at kirchentag.de and on its social media channels