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The House of Church Services (HkD)

The House of Church Services supports and supplements the work of the parishes and church districts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover as a supra-congregational institution. 

Origin

The Hanoverian regional church (Landeskirche Hannovers), officially known as the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Hanover, Brunswick, Schaumburg-Lippe, and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, is a Protestant denomination in Germany. It has its roots in the Reformation and was formally established in 1885 when the Kingdom of Hanover and the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg merged their churches. The church has undergone several changes over the years, including the merger with other regional churches in the 20th century. Today, the Hanoverian regional church is one of 20 member churches of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). The church is known for its strong tradition of social engagement and mission work, as well as its commitment to interfaith dialogue and understanding. The Hanoverian regional church has played an important role in shaping the history and culture of northern Germany, and continues to be an influential voice in the region today.

Initiatives

  1. Acknowledgement: The church has acknowledged and repented for its role in the persecution of Jewish people during the Holocaust. In 2015, the church issued a statement apologizing for its past actions and expressing its commitment to promoting understanding and reconciliation.
  2. Interfaith Dialogue: The Hanoverian regional church has actively promoted interfaith dialogue and understanding. The church has participated in numerous interfaith events and initiatives, including hosting interfaith conferences and dialogues.
  3. Combating Antisemitism: The church has spoken out against rising antisemitism in Germany and supported efforts to combat it. In 2019, the church participated in the “Wear a Kippah” campaign, in which individuals of all faiths wear a kippah in solidarity with the Jewish community and against antisemitism.
  4. Educational Programs: The Hanoverian regional church has developed educational programs aimed at promoting understanding and combating antisemitism. For example, the church has organized educational trips to former concentration camps and Holocaust memorial sites.
  5. Working Groups: The church participates in the “Christians and Jews” working group of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), which aims to promote mutual respect and understanding between Christians and Jews. The working group engages in various initiatives, such as developing educational materials and organizing events to promote dialogue between Christians and Jews.