Questions and answers

All you need to know

Events

When is the program booklet available? Where can I get it?

It will be possible to put together an individual program for the Kirchentag in Hanover in advance: In order to reduce paper consumption and save costs, the complete program will not be sent out in printed form, but the complete program can be viewed in advance on our website or in the Kirchentag app. It will be published in January 2025.

The program booklet "Program at a glance" provides an overview of the topics of the Kirchentag.

You can obtain it free of charge by showing your 5-day or day ticket during the Kirchentag at the service points in Hanover and for a fee in the store, probably from March 2025.

Can I also experience the Kirchentag at home?

It is planned that some events can also be experienced from home or will be made available for viewing online.

We are currently in the middle of planning the program. It should be a colorful mix of all the topics of the Kirchentag.

You will receive detailed information when the program is published in January 2025.

Where will the opening and closing services take place?

The services will not be held in a stadium; at present, the venues are planned to be central squares in downtown Hanover. You will find out the exact locations at the latest when the program is published in January 2025.

Will the opening and closing services be broadcast on TV?

The services will be broadcast. At the moment, the channels and times have not yet been determined. As soon as they are known, at the latest in January 2025 when the program appears, you will find out the broadcast dates here.

How can I get involved in the program?

There are many different ways to get involved, with different application deadlines.

You can find all the information you need in the Take Part section of our website.

Participation

When will the Kirchentag app be released?

The Kirchentag app will be released in January 2025, as soon as the program is published.

In the app you will find the entire program and other extras. The app is required for obtaining your eTicket for the Kirchentag.

We will provide you with more information on the various functions when the app is released.

Will there be a songbook again?

The new songbook is expected to be published in spring 2025. It will be available for purchase in our store at that time. With every 5-day ticket, you will receive a voucher for a free copy, which can be redeemed at the Kirchentag at the service points. If you would like to receive the song booklet in advance, you will have to order it in our store for a fee.

General questions

Who is behind the German Protestant Kirchentag?

The Kirchentag is not the established church, but an independent lay movement, a registered association: "Verein zur Förderung des Deutschen Evangelischen Kirchentages e.V." . The privately supported, non-profit association has its headquarters in Fulda.

Hundreds of full-time and voluntary workers then organize a church congress every two years in a larger city in Germany - with many creative offers, actions and events.

The host city and the regional church invite the Kirchentag to join them.

Who is the offer aimed at and how can I be part of the Kirchentag?

There are different ways to be part of the Kirchentag:

The Kirchentag stands for community and everyone is welcome to participate. Completely regardless of religion, world view, origin, age or other characteristics. Many people visit the Kirchentag not only to enjoy the varied program, they also actively contribute to the program. The Kirchentag lives from people who join in. Still other people get involved on a voluntary and hands-on basis as helpers. They contribute significantly to the success and the unique atmosphere of the Kirchentag.

How can people/communities/groups from the Hanover region get involved?

Next to the "normal" participation and the nationwide participation opportunities, there are additional opportunities for people from the host region to participate. For example, people from Hanover can invite people to a Celebratory community service, organize overnight accommodations, or present themselves at the Evening of Encounter. Join in - as a congregation, group or individual!

I would like to volunteer!

Great, we are very happy to have helpers from Hanover and the region and all over world to make the Kirchentag possible together for everyone. If you are interested in helping at the Kirchentag (alone or with a group of peers), please send an email to helfen(at)kirchentag.de.

Can I get involved in the Kirchentag on a long-term basis?

Yes, absolutely! The Kirchentag sees itself as a movement. Kirchentag brings people together to strengthen their faith and exchange ideas about the issues of the day: How can we shape the world of tomorrow together? What contribution can we make as courageous Christians?
In the volunteer committees of the Kirchentag, people are often involved for several years, sometimes even decades. The youth committee represents young people's interests at the Kirchentag. It brings the concerns of young people into the program and the organization of the Kirchentag. International contact persons work together in the International Committee of the Kirchentag.

Support the Kirchentag by becoming a member of the "Verein der Freundinnen und Freunde des Deutschen Evangelischen Kirchentages e.V.".

How is the Kirchentag financed?

The Kirchentag essentially stands on three pillars financially: public sponsors (city, state and federal government) and the host regional church together finance around two-thirds of the total costs. The remainder is provided by the third pillar, admission fees, donations and sponsorships.

What is the benefit of the Kirchentag? How does the city benefit from the Kirchentag?

The Kirchentag strengthens cohesion and solidarity in our society through the high level of voluntary commitment and the breadth of the topics. They demonstrably and positively show how people from the most diverse social and geographical backgrounds can live together considerately and respectfully.
The Kirchentag is international, interreligious and ecumenical: about 5,000 guests from all over the world, from more than 100 countries around the globe enrich the Kirchentag and establish contacts in the city and the region.
The Kirchentag embodies principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental stewardship. Notably, it became the first significant event to receive EMAS certification in 2007, maintaining this prestigious certification since and serving as a beacon of inspiration for numerous other large-scale gatherings.
Furthermore, the Kirchentag actively supports urban initiatives aimed at fostering community cohesion and promoting civic engagement. It highlights the substantial social contributions made by congregations and individual Christians within their communities.
With a considerable media presence, the Kirchentag garners widespread attention, generating over 15,000 online and print articles during its duration and enjoying coverage across major radio and television news programs.
Last but not least, many participants discover the region as a (future) vacation destination. More than 100,000 participants who come to a city for five days - and return - revitalize the cityscape, trade and gastronomy.

Why am I being asked to donate?

The German Protestant Kirchentag is an open and public event to which all people are invited, regardless of religion or origin. The Kirchentag is a non-profit organization that depends on donations and support.
Whether large or small, every amount helps! Please help maintain the participatory nature of this unique movement and event.

What does the Kirchentag do to combat sexualized discrimination and violence?

The protection and care concept of the Kirchentag includes strategies for the prevention of sexualized discrimination and violence.
At the German Protestant Kirchentag, all people should...

  • be treated fairly. No one has the right to threaten or scare. No matter whether with looks, words, pictures or deeds. No one may be blackmailed, excluded, treated in a derogatory manner or beaten.
  • decide for themselves when, where and by whom they are photographed or filmed.
  • decide for themselves how close they come to someone, when, how and where. No one may be touched, massaged, caressed or kissed against their will. Or be pressured to do so with someone else.
  • Have the right to say "NO" and fight back when someone hurts their feelings or those of others. Saying "NO" is valid with looks, words, or through body posture.
  • not join in if something scares them, makes them feel icky, or makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Get support from others. If someone is uncomfortable or feeling bad, getting help is important!