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Last meeting of the state synod: Focus on coming to terms with violence!
The last state synod of the EKD begins in Hanover on November 25th, 2025. The focus is on planning for the future and coming to terms with violence.
Last meeting of the state synod: Focus on coming to terms with violence!
Today, November 25, 2025, the last meeting of the regional synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Hanover will take place. This meeting, which runs until November 28, 2025, is particularly significant as it marks the end of the current legislative session. The focus is on the regional church's future planning and the critical examination of sexual violence within its ranks. How North24 reports, the regional church office will present a report on prevention and intervention, while regional bishop Ralf Meister will also speak to those gathered. It is interesting that those affected by sexual violence are not allowed to speak publicly during part of the meeting; This area takes place behind closed doors.
The Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Hanover is the largest of its kind in Germany with around 2.2 million parishioners and a central headquarters in Hanover. It is one of the 20 regional churches of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). This makes the upcoming consultations all the more relevant and groundbreaking for the entire Protestant landscape.
Innovations in the Prevention Act
The decision to unanimously adapt the law shows the Northern Church's clear commitment to greater transparency and responsibility. Anja Fährmann, President of the State Synod, emphasized the importance of transparent recognition of the injustice suffered. This initiative is intended to ensure that those affected will have better access to recognition services in the future without losing their ability to explain the severity of their experiences.
The EKD recognition guidelines
The newly introduced EKD recognition guidelines, which will apply nationwide, set binding standards, including the establishment of independent recognition commissions with legal and psychotraumatological expertise. In addition, there will be no credit for state social benefits, which is a great relief for many of those affected. According to the new regulations, those affected even have the right to report on the injustice they have suffered in a protected space. The EKD strives to make church injustice visible and thus strengthen the credibility of church action.
In summary, it can be said: The developments within the regional churches, especially the Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Hanover and the Northern Church, show a clear commitment to dealing with and preventing sexual violence. Those affected are at the heart of these efforts and the changes ahead are an important step towards greater justice and recognition of their experiences.