Diakonie Deutschland is the social service of the Protestant churches and offers comprehensive support for those in need. With over 33,000 facilities and a strong commitment to social justice, it advocates for the weak in society.
Diakonie Deutschland is the welfare association of the Protestant churches in Germany and serves as the social service of these churches. Founded in 1848, Diakonie Deutschland is today an integral part of the Evangelical Work for Diakonie and Development e.V. based in Berlin, with an additional office in Brussels[1][2][4].
Diakonie Deutschland encompasses a wide range of social institutions and services organized within the church-related Diaconal Works. The offerings include outpatient and inpatient services such as nursing homes, hospitals, daycare centers, counseling centers, and social stations. In addition, Diakonie supports around 2,800 self-help groups and other citizen assistance initiatives. With a total of about 33,374 offerings and a capacity of 1.18 million beds/places, Diakonie Deutschland is one of the largest providers of facilities for the care, support, and accompaniment of people in Germany[1][2][4].
Diakonie Deutschland sees itself as an advocate for the weak and publicly names the causes of social distress to politics and society. Its mission is based on the concept of lived neighborly love and the Christian ideal of serving. Diakonie advocates for people who are on the margins of society, in need of help, or disadvantaged. It works closely with other leading associations of free welfare services to promote social cohesion in society[2][4][5].
Diakonie Deutschland is the federal association of around 31,550 legally independent social institutions and services organized in state and specialist associations of Diakonie. It is supported by the Protestant state and free churches in Germany. The organization works with about 627,349 full-time employees and around 700,000 volunteers[1][2][3].
Diakonie Deutschland is actively engaged in social policy issues and advocates for the interests of the people it serves. It participates in national and European standard-setting in the social sector and promotes social cohesion in society. Through its political work and public statements, Diakonie aims to identify social grievances and make proposals for remedies[2][4].
The funding of Diakonie Deutschland primarily comes from federal funds, church funds, collections, and funds from social lotteries. This diverse funding base enables Diakonie to sustainably fulfill its extensive social tasks[2].
Diakonie Deutschland is a central actor in the social landscape of Germany, distinguished by its comprehensive commitment to the weak and needy. Its work is based on deeply rooted Christian values and an unwavering commitment to social justice and neighborly love.
