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Recently it was announced that the 39th German Protestant Kirchentag 2025 in Hanover will be held under the motto "courageous – strong – stout-hearted" — "mutig – stark – beherzt" (1 Cor 16:13-14). The announcement was made by Kirchentag President Anja Siegesmund and General Secretary Kristin Jahn at a press conference with the Mayor of Hanover, Belit Onay, and Ralf Meister, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover.
"If the Kirchentag didn't exist, it would have to be invented right now. The Kirchentag movement is facing the crises and conflicts of our time with great attention and confidence and is working together to find the best solutions." explained Anja Siegesmund at her first public appearance as the new President of the German Protestant Kirchentag. "We are bringing a real message of courage to Hanover today. The first ever church congress was held here. And in 2025, we will be organising it under the motto 'courageous - strong - stout-hearted'. We are looking forward to Hanover and now we are inviting you to join us: Join us in becoming ambassadors of courage!" Now that the slogan has been decided, the practical programme preparations for the Kirchentag, which will take place in Hanover from 30 April to 4 May 2025, can begin. Around 1,500 events are planned over five days - including socio-political discussions, interfaith dialogues, spiritual and theological formats as well as large and small cultural events. "I am delighted that the Kirchentag 2025 will be held in Hanover." said Belit Onay. "Our city is not only a great and experienced host, it is above all cosmopolitan and characterised by cultural, linguistic and religious diversity. This diversity must be preserved because it promotes peace, strengthens community cohesion and offers many people a home. That is why it is very important to me that Hannover is a safe and open harbour for all of us, a home where everyone can support each other and overcome the biggest crises together. After all, social cohesion is an important indicator of a sound and cohesive community." Regional Bishop Ralf Meister added: "Kirchentags - especially when they have taken place in Hanover - have always set an example far beyond the purely church context. That is my wish, too, when the Kirchentag returns in 2025 to the city where it was founded. As Christians, we should take a bold, strong and courageous stand: when our social cohesion is called into question, when issues of war and peace are raised anew and when we struggle to find ways to keep our world worth living in. Courageous, strong and stout-hearted - this is how we will celebrate Kirchentag 2025 in Hanover and as a regional church we are very much looking forward to hosting it again." |