Joint press release by Diakonie Germany and the Evangelical Church in Germany

Diakonie and church take stock: against social indifference and for more cohesion – hundreds of offers through the #warmthwinter campaign

Hanover/Berlin, March 23, 2023 – This winter, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and Diakonie Deutschland have created a dense network against social indifference and for more cohesion with the #warmthwinter campaign. Because of the high burden placed on many people by rising energy and food prices, the diaconia and the church proclaimed the #warmthwinter last autumn. Nationwide, church communities and diaconal institutions opened their doors and created warming places throughout Germany where those affected could receive help and learn about their rights. In the meantime, hundreds of diaconal offers have been created all over Germany: from the parent-child café in Bremen to the “night café” in Dresden, from hot soup in Hanau to energy advice in Munich. Many #warmthwinter campaigns were co-financed by the additional church tax revenue from the energy price flat rate. Regional churches made this money available for work with people affected by energy poverty.

Annette Kurschus, Chairwoman of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD):

“We would like to thank the many people who, through their commitment, have helped to offer those seeking help a contact point in this winter of crisis. The #warmthwinter is a promising cooperation project between diaconia and the church. Joint actions like these show: We are not only fast and creative, but we have an important task in the quarters all over the country and can bring the various actors in the social area together. Where we succeed, something of the church of the future lights up.”

Ulrich Lilie, President of Diakonie Germany: “From our current survey in debt counselling, we know that for many people, things only get tight when the end-of-year bills from the energy suppliers come. Many people leave even if physically less warm places are needed in the spring. Offers of the #warmthwinter campaign continue. In addition, the #warmthwinter has made many existing contact points of the Diakonie even more visible, for example, for social or debt counselling, and they will continue to exist.”

The #warmthwinter has shown: “Professional social work and social counselling need reliable financing,” says Lilie: “Many counselling centres are already working at full capacity because they are chronically understaffed or have to wait too long for their refinancing. Here we have clear expectations of politicians. Social peace presupposes that the promises of the welfare state are kept. And that the relief reaches people in need. The success of the #warmthwinter is also a wake-up call in this regard,” said Lilie.

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