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Our projects around the world
"Churches helping Churches" is an inter-Church aid programme of German Protestant Churches.
"Churches helping Churches" assists Churches of different denominations in witnessing their Christian faith in word and deed.
"Churches helping Churches" supports Churches all over the world who - although they are confronted with manifold challenges - stand up for the needy people.
Churches helping Churches offers support for diaconal, pastoral and theological projects and provides funding for interreligious meetings and dialogue.
"Churches helping Churches" is mainly financed by the united and reformed churches in Germany. It is an independent programme line which is implemented by Bread for the World - Protestant Development Service.
The following photos give you an impression of our work with Church partners across the world (this photo shows a partner in Uruguay).
The Federation of Protestant Churches in Uruguay opens up prospects for children and adolescents from poor families.
It offers education opportunities to children and adolescents in the poverty-stricken areas of Montevideo (Federation of Protestant Churches in Uruguay).
The Orthodox Foundation "Pokrov" in Bulgaria organizes diaconal working camps.
Joint efforts during a working camp in the monastery "St. Marina“ (Pokrov Foundation, Bulgaria).
The "Pokrov Foundation" organizes conferences on the work of the Church (this photo shows a conference on pastoral psychology (Pokrov Foundation, Bulgaria).
In Romania, the "Home of Hope" of the Reformed Church offers activities and community for elderly people (Home of Hope, Romania).
"Home of Hope" supports women affected by domestic violence (Home of Hope, Romania).
Women affected by domestic violence find a shelter as well as psychological and social support (Home of Hope, Romania).
In 2015, "Home of Hope" received an award of the Avon Foundation for its social commitment (Home of Hope, Romania).
In Bulgaria, homeless people get food and shelter in the 'Center of Change' (Alpha Bulgaria).
The 'Center of Change' for homeless people is operated by the Christian organization "Alpha Bulgaria".
In Romania, the Protestant Church runs social service centers offering medical consultation and treatment (Evangelische Kirche A.B. Romania).
People in need are provided with food in the social service centers (Evangelische Kirche A.B. in Romania).
The Charity Sisters of the Orthodox organization Pokrovskaya Obshina run a night shelter in the center of St. Petersburg (Pokrovskaya Obshina, Russia).
Sick, handicapped and helpless people without a permanent residence find accommodation and social care in the night shelter (Pokrovskaya Obshina, Russia).
The Charity Sisters care for poor and elderly people without family in the state hospital (Pokrovskaya Obshina, Russia).
The 'OPEN' network fights against trafficking in human beings in Ukraine, Romania and Germany (Lampas/VIJ/DELKU/La Strada, Ukraine/Romania/ Germany).
The 'Open' network aims at preventing trafficking in human beings and labour exploitation (Lampas/VIJ/DELKU/La Strada, Ukraine/Romania/Germany).
The project team of the 'OPEN' network works on an international and inter-religious level. (Lampas/VIJ/DELKU/La Strada, Ukraine/Romania/ Germany).
In Cuba, the ecumenical center "Centro Lavastida" initiates self-help groups for women (Centro Lavastida, Cuba).
Women get advice and support in the self-help groups (Centro Lavastida, Cuba).
...IN EUROPE
The geographical centre of 'Churches helping Churches' projects lies mainly in Central and Eastern Europe. In these areas, political developments in the nineties brought the churches greater freedom to practice and develop their Christian faith. The political and economic changes also led to new social problems and many people became impoverished.
Today the churches in Central and Eastern Europe are aware of their responsibility towards society, and use their new freedom to help those in need and overcome social problems. On the basis of the gospel, they support the weak, dedicate themselves to the rights and dignity of the people who have been pushed to the margins of society, and undertake valuable social service, often under very simple conditions.
'Churches helping Churches' strengthens diaconal institutions in which the old and sick, and people with a handicap, are cared for. A special challenge is posed by the prevention of HIV & AIDS and the support of people affected by HIV.
'Churches helping Churches' works specifically with inter-church associations, the 'Round Tables' of the World Council of Churches (WCC). Here, representatives of different denominations try together to address the many social challenges.
... IN ASIA, AFRICA AND LATIN AMERICA
Despite difficult conditions, many churches and ecumenical initiatives in Africa, Asia and Latin America are dedicated to the well-being of their people and the societies in which they live. Based on the gospel, they are dedicated to the rights and dignity of those who have been pushed to the margins of society and engage in valuable work, often under very simple conditions, in the areas of education, social service, spiritual guidance, and long term development work.
...WORLDWIDE
Besides country specific measures, 'Churches helping Churches' also supports three particular programmes:
- Funding for Orthodox theology students at Protestant theology faculties
- Short term funding for church workers from Europe and overseas
- Social service projects of German-speaking congregations abroad