A large Klinker cross greets visitors. This is the Kirchenamt der Evangelischen Kirche in Deutschland in Hanover. It’s more than just a building. It’s the central administrative authority of the EKD. About 200 people work here. They support the Council President committees and commissions. They organize collaboration among the 20 regional churches. Their work shapes the public image of the Protestant church.
The Kirchenamt manages international relations. It connects with the World Council of Churches. It also maintains contact with over 100 German-speaking churches abroad. From Abano to Vladivostok. These connections span the globe.
The Kirchenamt’s history is fascinating. It started in 1946 as the “Church Chancellery of the EKD”. Pastor Hans Asmussen worked from his private office in Schwäbisch Gmünd. It later moved to Hanover in 1949. The current building with its iconic cross was built in the 1980s. The transition from chancellery to Kirchenamt marks a significant evolution.
The Kirchenamt houses a remarkable library. Founded in 1946 it now contains 37000 media units. It also includes 300 subscriptions and acquired legacies. It’s a treasure trove of religious and historical materials.
The Kirchenamt’s work extends beyond administration. It deals with church law. This includes fundamental and human rights. It also covers state church law. Personnel and labor law are also handled here. The Kirchenamt even manages agreements with copyright societies. This is for music rights. From hymns in services to concert performances.
The Kirchenamt also addresses theological questions. It focuses on fundamental issues and faith transmission. It also deals with education. The Protestant churches run thousands of educational institutions. The goal is to spread the Gospel through preaching and education.
The Kirchenamt played a vital role after the dissolution of the Federation of Evangelical Churches in East Germany in 1991. It took over the administration of nationwide church affairs. The building still remembers the time of division. The meeting rooms bear the names of cities formerly in the GDR. This serves as a constant reminder of the special relationship between the churches in East and West. A relationship marked by many visits and mutual support across borders and walls.
The Kirchenamt’s four main departments show its breadth of work. These are Leadership Law and Finance. Then there are Church Activities and Education. Public Responsibility and Ecumenism and Foreign Affairs complete the structure. This reflects the multifaceted nature of the EKD’s mission. The Kirchenamt is the heart of the EKD. A dynamic center for administration advocacy and connection. It maintains a strong link between the past and the future of Protestantism in Germany and worldwide.