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Decade of Peace starts: Come awaken peace in Chemnitz!
The Ecumenical Decade of Peace begins in Chemnitz on November 7, 2025, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
Decade of Peace starts: Come awaken peace in Chemnitz!
In Cologne the signs point to peace: it begins next Sunday Ecumenical Peace Decade, which is being celebrated for the 45th time this year. This year's motto “Come Awaken Peace” is a clear call to actively and together shape peace. The celebrations coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which makes the issue even more significant.
This impressive initiative is organized by churches and Christian groups and extends across several federal states, including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. Community events, peace prayers and a colorful program of lectures, discussions, concerts and readings give everyone the opportunity to raise their voice for peace. Pastor Jens Haverland puts it succinctly: “In polarized times, we need signs of hope.”
Key events and awards
A special highlight of the Peace Decade is the central nationwide service on November 12th in Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture 2025. This will take place in the Jakobikirche and offers an inspiring program that will include music, prayer and artistic contributions to reconciliation. At the same time the ACK Ecumenism Prize awarded to recognize initiatives for reconciliation and dialogue.
The roots of the Peace Decade go back to the Netherlands. Since this idea was adopted in Germany in 1980, the Peace Decade has functioned as an important space for making peace issues visible, especially in the GDR. The themes of justice, peace and the preservation of creation are once again the focus this year and will be complemented by a variety of activities in communities, schools and youth groups.
Creative inspiration and digital offers
An exciting project as part of the Peace Decade is the presentation of ten artistic works from the “justice.peace.imagination” project. In addition, a sketchbook exhibition will tour through East Germany next year, offering insights into artistic voices and their stories. This promotes the dialogue between art, spirituality and social commitment.
The upcoming one Decade of Peace 2025 will also offer a digital space for encounters, with daily peace impulses via the “Peace and Pray” app. For everyone who would like to take an active part, there is a calendar with numerous events provided by the Peace Cooperative in Bonn. Anyone interested can also find materials about the Decade of Peace in an online shop, such as postcards, stickers and more.
The Peace Decade is therefore not just a look back at past conflicts, but an active commitment to peace at all levels. It has connected generations and cultures since German reunification and shows that peace is not something that can be taken for granted - it must be reawakened again and again.