EKD Statistics

Facts and figures - Evangelical Church in Germany 2011

Foreword

Dear Reader,

If you have travelled through Germany you will have seen the steeples of churches rising above every town and village. A great number of historic chapels, parish churches and marvelous cathedrals witness to the rich Christian heritage that has shaped our country and people for many centuries. History has brought forth a religious and confessional landscape that is quite unique.

This booklet reveals the diversity of regional Protestant churches living in communion under the roof of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) while preserving their particular confessional and liturgical traditions. The various aspects of church life are presented on the following pages based on the most recent statistical data. You will find that the German Protestant churches are not only rich in tradition but also very much engaged in today's social and political reality.

As we prepare for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation we are reminded of the renewal of the church that began with Dr. Martin Luther in the year 1517. As Christians we feel challenged today by a fast changing environment, by new issues and concerns. In many places we are engaged in a process of reform and restructuring.

With this booklet I invite you to discover our church and I pray that it will contribute to a better mutual understanding!

Nikolaus Schneider

Chairman of the Council of the
Evangelical Church in Germany