How do we maintain a Credible Diaconia for the Future?

Abstract

Both, open markets for social services in the EU and the secularisation, challenge diaconia in Germany. The article argues that for the future diaconia has to clarify its relation to the church and to the public welfare as well. Only if there is a strong link between diaconal activities and the proclamation of the gospel, diaconia can enjoy the privileges of the ecclesiastic employment law. In addition, the link to the church is a condition sine qua non for diaconia's credibility. This positioning leads to a clear distinction between diaconia and public welfare: Whereas the services of public welfare are a duty, owed by justice, diaconia's activities arise from compassion.