Do you feel that sense of community? That is exactly what the Haus der Schwestern und Brüder in Berlin embodies. This is more than just a building. It is the heart of a diverse group of people. They come from all walks of life and work across diaconal and church settings.
The Haus der Schwestern und Brüder is part of the Evangelisches Johannesstift. Johann Hinrich Wichern founded it back in 1858. He envisioned a Bruderhaus. This was modeled after the Rauhen Hauses in Hamburg.
In 1882, the deacons of Johannesstift formed their own Bruderschaft. They separated from the Rauhen Hauses’ Bruderschaft. The Bruderschaft moved with Johannesstift. First, it went from Berlin-Moabit to Berlin-Plötzensee. Then, in 1910, they arrived at their current location in Spandau. This strong bond with the Evangelisches Johannesstift remains to this day.
After World War II, Germany was divided. In 1952, Johannesstift created a second training center. It was in Berlin-Weißensee. This allowed East Berlin and East German deacon students to continue their education.
In 1972, the Bruderschaft made a tough decision. The political situation was very tense. So the Bruderschaft decided to become independent in Weißensee. After the Berlin Wall fell and Germany reunified, things changed. In 1993, the Bruderschaft reunited. The Bruderschaft der Stephanus-Stiftung and the Schwestern- und Brüderschaft.
The Haus der Schwestern und Brüder embraces inclusivity. The first woman joined the Bruderschaft in 1973. She was a nurse from the Evangelisches Johannesstift. Since 1974, women have been training as deacons at the Evangelisches Johannesstift.
The Schwestern- und Brüderschaft sees itself as part of a global Christian community. Since 1995/96, they have partnered with a diaconal group COD in Brazil. They exchange ideas on theology and spirituality. They also reflect on what it means to be a deacon in the church and society.
The Haus der Schwestern und Brüder hosts the Schwestern- und Brüderschaft’s annual meeting. This four-day event usually starts on Ascension Day. It includes a themed day and the community’s general convention.
The community life extends beyond this annual event. Various events and meetings take place. They focus on professional development, spirituality, and fellowship. The Haus der Schwestern und Brüder remains closely connected to the Wichern-Kolleg. This is the training center for deacons within the Evangelisches Johannesstift.
So, as you stand here at the Haus der Schwestern und Brüder. Remember that you are witnessing a living history of faith, community, and service. It is a place where differences are celebrated. It is a place where connections are forged. It is a place where the spirit of diaconia thrives.