The
The Evangelische Kirche in Mitteldeutschland (EKM) was established in 2009 through the merger of the Evangelische Kirche der Kirchenprovinz Sachsen and the Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Thüringen. It mainly encompasses the areas of the federal states of Sachsen-Anhalt and Thüringen, with smaller portions in Brandenburg and Sachsen. The bishop's seat is located in Magdeburg, while the state church office is based in Erfurt. The EKM is a member church of the Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) and also belongs to the Union Evangelischer Kirchen in der EKD (UEK) and the Vereinigten Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche Deutschlands (VELKD) [4].
The EKM is closely connected to the Christian faith and its values. Its mission and tasks are defined in the constitution of the Evangelische Kirche in Mitteldeutschland from July 5, 2008. The church focuses on the proclamation of the Gospel, pastoral care, diaconia, and education. It promotes a vibrant community and is committed to social and societal issues [4].
The EKM consists of congregations, 37 church districts, and the state church. It operates a variety of diaconal institutions, services, and works that are both legally independent and organized as non-independent. These include, among others, facilities for social work, education, and health services. The EKM also supports volunteers through budgetary funds and promotes the work of volunteers according to Article 20 of its constitution [3][4].
The EKM is committed to conducting its activities sustainably and responsibly. It is involved in several enterprises that serve the realization of church purposes. These participations are documented annually in a participation report. Furthermore, the EKM places great importance on transparent financial management and independent auditing to ensure responsible handling of the available resources [4].
The EKM initiates and supports various campaigns and projects that address social and societal issues. For example, it conducted the campaign "Hoffentlich" for the Day of Repentance and Prayer, which was initiated by the Evangelische Kirche von Kurhessen Waldeck (EKKW) and the Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche in Bayern (ELKB). This campaign encourages engagement with the topic of hope [2].
The EKM is organized in a decentralized manner and follows the principle of subsidiarity, whereby tasks are only taken on at a higher level if they cannot be fulfilled at the local level. The leadership of the church is carried out at all levels by church members. The state church office in Erfurt manages the ongoing business of the state church and is responsible for the administration of the state church [4].
The Evangelische Kirche in Mitteldeutschland is thus a dynamic and committed church that advocates for the spiritual and social advancement of its members and society. Its work is based on solid legal foundations, transparent financial management, and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
