EKD

The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) is a federation of twenty member Protestant churches representing Lutheran, Reformed, and United traditions across Germany. It serves as the umbrella organization for the Protestant churches in Germany and is one of the largest Protestant bodies in the world.

The EKD was established in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II to coordinate church life, public witness, and ecumenical engagement across West Germany. It grew out of earlier forms of German Protestant organization and has since played a role in public discourse, social issues, and international church relations. Over time, its overall membership has declined in line with broader secularization and demographic change.

Organization and membership: The EKD comprises twenty regional churches and coordinates joint programs through a central administration. It operates in areas such as theology, education, media, mission, and social services, and participates in national and international ecumenical activity. The EKD maintains relationships with global church bodies such as the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches.

Finances: In Germany, church tax (Kirchensteuer) is collected by the state on behalf of the churches and forms a major part of their revenue. The EKD and its member churches use these funds to support worship, church life, schools, welfare, and mission work.

Role and public life: The EKD engages in public discourse on moral and social questions, including religious education, migration, climate policy, and human rights, and maintains ecumenical and interfaith relations as part of its mission.