From April 30 to May 4, 2025, the city of Hannover became a living canvas of faith in action as it hosted the 39th Deutsche Evangelische Kirchentag. With more than 100,000 full-time visitors and over 1,500 events in just five days, the gathering was a remarkable display of spiritual vitality and public theology. But for the global Reformed family, it was more than a large-scale Christian festival—it was a space of intentional presence, prophetic witness, and courageous love.
The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), with its global office in Hannover, contributed to the activities of the Kirchentag through its member churches. Many leaders from our member churches, including those from Switzerland, Canada, the USA, and Myanmar, had been here, and we are grateful for the active participation of these churches. Their contributions have given shape and strength to the Reformed voice throughout the event.
On Friday, May 2, at an international celebratory communion service led by members of the United Church of Christ (USA). General Secretary of the United Church of Canada Rev. Michael Blair delivered the sermon, echoing the theme, “Be courageous, be strong; do everything in love and together.” Held at St. Petri Kirchengemeinde in Hannover-Döhren, the service was a moving expression of global ecumenical solidarity and a powerful reminder that courage, when rooted in love, builds community across borders.
Founded in 1949, right here in Hannover, Kirchentag began as a response to a fractured post-war society. Its founder, Reinold von Thadden-Trieglaff, envisioned it as a lay-led movement rooted in Christian responsibility—advocating for democracy, human rights, and reconciliation. That founding vision still pulses at its core: a space where belief meets action, and where the church dares to speak in the language of the present moment.
Hannover, home to the World Communion of Reformed Churches, served as the ideal stage for a church willing to step into hard questions—about war, inequality, ecological collapse—and respond with prayer and action.
Photo: Kirchentag/Weiss
A key highlight of the Kirchentag was the “Courage at Waterloo – Reformed and Sea” series, hosted by the Protestant Reformed Church in Hanover. Featuring joint prayers, political night liturgies, and concerts, the program underscored the Reformed tradition’s commitment to justice and was a collaborative effort involving the Evangelical Reformed Church in Hanover, Diakonie Lower Saxony, Bread for the World, and other partners.
Photo: Kirchentag/Johna
During a German-Hungarian communion prayer, Bernd Becker, Moderator of the Reformed Alliance, affirmed the church’s commitment to social justice. The accompanying night liturgies boldly named injustice, offered communal lament, and urged the church to speak truth with the power and clarity of love.
Photo: Kirchentag/ Platz
In her powerful closing sermon, Dr. Hanna Reichel, a contributor to several WCRC programmes like Freedom of Religion and the General Council workbook, emphasized that God’s love is strong enough to bridge divisions.
Courage,” she said, “is not ease—it’s enduring
the struggle together, led by the Spirit.”
Photo: Kirchentag Media
Small acts—like planting, praying, or simply listening—became sacred gestures. This, too, is the
work of faith: caring for the earth, nurturing peace, and believing that even small seeds can grow in bold soil.
Photo: Kirchentag/ Bongard
Photo: Kirchentag/Vester
Photo: Kirchentag/ Weise
The 39th Kirchentag reminded us: faith, if it is to matter, must be lived courageously. In Hannover,
we witnessed a church not confined by walls—but moved by Spirit, pressing into the world’s pain
with strength, heart, and holy boldness.
Watch the full sermon in German from Dr. Hanna Reichel here
Read the sermon text in German here
Read the sermon text in English here*
*Translation powered by DeepL
