logo of the German Kirchentag

Theme

Mortal, where are you? (Genesis 3:9)

In its German version, this question is addressed to Mensch, the general term for a human being, both male and female. The question is derived from the oldest story in the Bible, from those chapters that raise the big questions about human life. Where does the human person come from? What is the place of humankind in creation? Where does freedom arise?

The good feeling of being human

The theme is about the good feeling of being human, a person who can make free decisions and take charge of their own life. Where are you? That is a clear question about where you stand. What do you use your freedom for? For what do you take on responsibility? What have you set your heart on? Where are your fellow human beings? These questions do not belong to paradise but arise when facing the stiff winds of everyday life. God lets people go into this day-to-day existence but does not leave them on their own.

Where are you?

That is also the tender question asked by the creator when looking into every single human face. God does not leave us to ourselves - God gives us responsibility for ourselves and for creation. Paradise is not the best place to feel good about being human, but earth certainly is.

The biblical texts

The question which God addresses to Adam and Eve will be explored in bible texts from the Old and New Testaments. These form the central focus for Bible Studies, Worship and Prayers

The Kirchentag Psalm will be Psalm 19, which will provide the theme for prayer sessions in the morning, at noon and at the end of the day.

Worship Services

OpeningGenesis 3: 9Mortal, where are you?
Closing 1 Peter 3: 9-17The hope that is in you
Celebration
Communion
Luke 24: 13-15Were not our hearts burning within us?

Bible Studies

ThursdayGenesis 3The knowledge of good and evil
FridayLuke 10: 25-37...as yourself
SaturdayGenesis 16: 1-16Where have you come from and where are you going?
Daily prayersPsalm 19Day to day pours forth speech

The topics

The topic areas put the whole diverse programme into a framework. They raise questions about being human in the contexts of faith, society and the world.

Horizons for faith

Church institutions are being downsized but at the same time there is a growing longing for faith and spiritual orientation. What do people ask for when they seek reassurance? We live in a multi-religious situation, which calls for a clear-cut faith profile and openness to dialogue. What can be done in order to strengthen the life together of denominations and religions? Can we succeed in taking new steps in interfaith dialogue and towards ecumenical unity? At the same time Protestants must ask themselves: do endeavours to achieve reforms in our churches open up new horizons for faith?

Prospects for society

The Kirchentag slogan is about the quest for humanity in society. What is needed to take responsibility for yourself and others in a free society? In times of demographic change, how can we shape the way the generations live together? What is it that forms and educates us to become human? Are only those with paid work "whole persons"?

How is the concept of what it means to be human changing through the life sciences and new technologies? Can the churches and culture open up common spaces for the human dimension?

2009, twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, offers an opportunity to reflect anew about civic engagement and the future of freedom and democracy.

Opportunities for the world

Anyone who asks of humankind, "Where are you?" must also ask questions about opportunities for change on a global scale and about personal responsibility. How do political and economic actors do justice to the demands of responsible globalisation? Can a global economy extending into the furthest corner of the earth go back to putting people first, instead of promoting the survival of the fittest? In many cases we know what needs to be done to change things for the better. This applies to climate change and also to working for peace and justice. Yet how can we manage to take the necessary steps? Bremen, one of the historical Hanseatic ports, will especially challenge us to debate the issue of fairness and justice in world trade.


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