The German Protestant Kirchentag will be held in the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen for the first time in its 60-year history. The Bremen Protestant Church will be the host from 20 to 24 May 2009, together with the three neighbouring churches: the Lutheran State Church of Hannover, the Lutheran Church in Oldenburg and the Protestant Reformed Church. 100,000 permanent participants and a large number of day visitors are expected at the religious festival in Bremen.

“Where are you?” from the first book of Moses is the Kirchentag motto for 2009. It is intended to encourage people to show themselves, get involved and help shape the community. Bremen wants to present itself as an active, open-minded and hospitable venue. At the same time, together with the Hanseatic city, Beluga Shipping GmbH plays an active role as one of the main sponsors in order to support the location of the company headquarters in holding the 32nd German Protestant Kirchentag. Assuming social responsibility has high priority at the project and heavy-lift cargo shipping company.

Since the Kirchentag in Bremen in 2009 will be divided into three event sites, i.e. the city centre, trade fair grounds and port, Beluga Shipping GmbH will focus its commitment and support mainly on the Kirchentag centre in the port. In addition to globalisation, the diverse programme shall also include treatment of maritime aspects. Like Beluga Shipping in its core business, the German Protestant Kirchentag strives for responsible use of natural resources and a reduction in pollution. As a matter of fact, the Kirchentag is already one of the most environmentally friendly major events in Germany and acquired the coveted environmental certification in accordance with EMAS (Ecological Management and Audit Scheme) in June 2007 in recognition of its systematic environmental management.

The largest Protestant lay movement in the world does not want to be perceived as purely a religious festival, but as a cultural and social event. In accordance with the wishes of Kirchentag president Prof. Dr. Karin von Welck, Hamburg Senator for Culture, Sport and Media, therefore, musical performances and discussions on urgent questions of the day will also be offered with the overall aim of setting an example for more humanity in the world.

If you would like to find out more about the 32nd German Protestant Kirchentag in Bremen and special items on the programme at the port venue, please contact:

32. Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag
Hubertus Heintze
An der Weide 50
28165 Bremen