About Us
We are a German-speaking congregation affiliated to the Protestant Church of Germany (Evangelische Kirche Deutschland) – one of over 100 worldwide. The UK today has seven German parish districts, covering around 30 smaller communities and congregations throughout the UK. Our parish district covers the whole of Scotland and north-east England.
Until 1986 this area was still divided into three parishes, with ministers based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, but declining funds made it necessary to reduce the number of resident ministers and combine the parishes.
Our parish comprises three congregations and three preaching stations. In Scotland: the congregations of Edinburgh/Aberdeen and Glasgow, and occasional preaching stations in Dumfries and Inverness. In England: the congregation of Newcastle upon Tyne and preaching station in Middlesbrough.
Our minister is based in Edinburgh. In the late 19th century there was already an organised German-speaking congregation in Edinburgh. The present-day congregation dates back to 1947 and grew out of initial services for German prisoners of war from World War II.
Although we are reformed congregations, following the Presbyterian system, our members and ministers, past and present, come from different denominational backgrounds – reformed, Lutheran, united – and there are also some Catholic members. This gives our congregations an ecumenical spirit. What unites us is our common language and culture – a chance to worship in our mother tongue. We welcome people of all language abilities.
In our congregations we offer regular services in German, and occasional ecumenical services in English in association with neighbouring local churches. Some of our larger congregations have a regular programme of events, providing opportunities to make contact with German-speaking groups and individuals. Regular news updates, to keep members informed about what is happening across the extended parish district, are announced at services or via our website and church magazine. Our church magazine – the Brückenbrief – is published four times a year.
For pastoral care or advice, to request an informal house visit, or for information on christenings, weddings and funerals please contact one of our Pastors.
The German-speaking Congregations of Scotland and North-east England are registered charities and rely entirely on membership fees and donations. BECOME A MEMBER!
Click on the link below to read the new Profile of the congregation: