Participation
Kirchentag 2025
We celebrate community across borders – no matter whether you choose to participate as part of a group, with your family, or individually. All are welcome!
The upcoming Kirchentag in Hanover, scheduled from April 30th to May 4th, 2025, promises to be an enriching experience for all participants. The Kirchentag, a biennial event, is a vibrant gathering of individuals from diverse backgrounds, engaging in profound discussions, critical debates, and fostering meaningful connections. With over 1500 events packed within five days, it offers a platform for dialogue on pressing contemporary issues. The Kirchentag traditionally begins on a Wednesday with an Opening Service, followed by the Evening of Encounters - a colorful festival in the city center where churches from the region present themselves with music, cabaret and culinary delights.
From Thursday to the closing service on Sunday, there will be workshops, exhibitions, concerts, church services, Bible studies, celebratory communion services, keynote speeches, panel discussions and much more.
Everything you need to know about...
Overview
Good to know
App
Our free Kirchentag app brings together all the important information for you to carry around with you. It means you can get information about events, venues and announcements (e.g. programme changes) and manage your own programme highlights. It also provides access to your e-ticket(s) and important Information about participation. You need to enable the Push Message facility so that we can notify you directly about important security features. The App will help you to navigate the five days of Kirchentag. The programme data is regularly updated.
A useful feature is the "traffic light" system with information about the availability of seats at many of the venues.
Red = hall full; amber = limited places; green = plenty of space
You can download the app at kirchentag.de/app.
You can choose to have the menu structure in English.
Support for people with disabilities
The Kirchentag aims to be a place where diversity is celebrated, barriers are removed and encounters at eye-level are possible. Everyone should be able to participate in the Kirchentag on an equal footing and on their own terms. For that reason, the Kirchentag tries to ensure that as many events as possible are accessible and inclusive.
More information
English booklet
The Kirchentag programme book provides details for more than 1.500 events which are planned for the Kirchentag in Hanover. Details on all events can be found on the app and the Kirchentag website. For international visitors, we offer a compact English-language programme booklet that includes details of selected events, as well as practical tips to help you during your stay at the Kirchentag.
Programme booklet
Interpretation
Some speakers at the Kirchentag will speak in English and will be interpreted into German for all German-speaking participants. Other events will be interpreted into English. Events that are being interpreted are going to be marked with a special icon in the programme and on the app.
Please allow enough time before the session begins to collect your headphones. If you want to attend an event without interpretation you can ask at the International Centre for a volunteer language steward to go with you. They do not give a full simultaneous translation but will give you a summary of what is said.
International welcome and information session
This is a special welcome session for international participants directly after the opening service. It takes place on Wednesday 30 April at 18.30 in the Volkshochschule, which is 10 minutes' walk from the Opening Service at the Opera Square. During the session, you will learn all about the international accommodation and the international center, about the app and how to find events that might interest you, on interpretation and the English booklet, and much more. You will also have the chance to connect with other international guests, of find people from your country or who speak the same language, including members of the International Committee. All participants from abroad will receive an invitation to this meeting in due time before the Kirchentag. We hope to see you there!
About Hanover
Hanover, the host city, boasts a rich history and dynamic cultural landscape. Situated in northern Germany, Hanover is known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors to the Kirchentag will have the opportunity to explore the city's landmarks, immerse themselves in its arts and music scene, and savor the hearty local cuisine.
Dominating Hanover's skyline, the New Town Hall is a striking example of Neo-Renaissance architecture. Completed in 1913, this majestic building features a towering dome that offers panoramic views of the city from its observation platform. The Marktkirche, situated in the heart of Hanover's historic Old Town, is characterized by its distinctive red-brick facade and towering spire. Surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with charming bridges and pavilions, Maschsee and Maschteich offer residents and visitors alike a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle of Hanover.
From historic architecture to lush green spaces, Hanover provides a picturesque backdrop for this celebration of faith, community, and dialogue. Join us in Hanover for an unforgettable Kirchentag experience!
