Martin Luther-Bund

The Martin-Luther-Bund (Martin Luther Federation) is a German Protestant Lutheran mission and aid organization dedicated to supporting Lutheran churches and congregations in the diaspora—regions where Lutherans are a minority and often lack resources. Rooted in 19th-century emigration support, it was formally established in 1932 through the merger of regional Lutheran associations, the first of which was founded in 1853 in Hanover. Its headquarters are in Erlangen, Germany, and it operates as a registered association (e.V.). The Bund provides financial and spiritual support, promotes Lutheran theology, and fosters ties among Lutheran churches globally. It publishes the quarterly 'Lutherischer Dienst' and the yearbook 'Lutherische Kirche in der Welt'. It maintains twelve branches in Germany and partner associations in several countries, working closely with the Gustav-Adolf-Werk. Its current president, elected in 2026, is Bishop Dr. Tilman Jeremias.

The Martin-Luther-Bund traces its origins to the 19th century, when German Lutherans emigrated in large numbers, often to North America and South America, where they lacked pastors, Bibles, and church structures. In 1840, the 'Verein zur Unterstützung der luth. Kirche in Nordamerika' was founded in Dresden, and in 1853 the first 'Gotteskastenverein' was established in Hanover by Ludwig Adolf Petri, Rudolf Steinmetz, and Friedrich Münchmeyer. The name 'Gotteskasten' refers to the biblical story of the widow's mite (Mark 12:41–44), reflecting the church's charitable character. These regional associations provided pastoral care, training, literature, and material aid to emigrants. Over time, the loose network of associations solidified. In 1932, the Martin-Luther-Bund was formally constituted as a federation of these regional Lutheran associations. After World War II, the Bund expanded its focus to support Lutheran diaspora communities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, maintaining contacts even before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It also supported Lutheran churches in Brazil, where German emigration had been significant since 1824. The Bund is organized into twelve branches in Germany and has partner associations in Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, France, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia, South Africa, Namibia, Brazil, and Chile. Its central office is in Erlangen. It works closely with the Gustav-Adolf-Werk. The Bund publishes the quarterly 'Lutherischer Dienst' (since 1965) and the yearbook 'Lutherische Kirche in der Welt' (since 1970, preceded by 'Jahrbuch des Martin-Luther-Bundes' 1946–1969). Leadership has included Hans-Martin Weill (2008–2015), Rudolf Keller (2015–2016), Carsten Rentzing (from 2017), and Tilman Jeremias (elected 2026). Michael Hübner has served as General Secretary since 2016.

• 2026

  Tilman Jeremias elected president at Bundesversammlung in Neuendettelsau (June 26).

• 2017

  Carsten Rentzing becomes president (January).

• 2016

  Michael Hübner becomes General Secretary.

• 2015

  Rudolf Keller becomes president (March).

• 2008

  Hans-Martin Weill becomes president.

• 1970

  Yearbook renamed 'Lutherische Kirche in der Welt'.

• 1965

  Quarterly 'Lutherischer Dienst' first published.

• 1946

  Yearbook 'Jahrbuch des Martin-Luther-Bundes' first published (until 1969).

• 1932

  Martin-Luther-Bund formally established as a federation of regional Lutheran associations.

• 1853

  First 'Gotteskastenverein' founded in Hanover by Ludwig Adolf Petri, Rudolf Steinmetz, and Friedrich Münchmeyer.

• 1840

  Founding of the 'Verein zur Unterstützung der luth. Kirche in Nordamerika' in Dresden.

A confessional Lutheran aid and mission organization focused on diaspora churches, emphasizing spiritual and material support, theological exchange, and global Lutheran cohesion.

• Lutherischer Dienst

• Lutherische Kirche in der Welt

• Diasporagabe

• Summer German language course

• Diasporagabe 2026: 'Die Kleinen nicht übersehen'

  Focus on Ozorków, Poland, to support the restoration of the Church of the Twelve Apostles.

1. 1Der Martin-Luther-Bund - für lutherische Kirchen in der Diasporamartin-luther-bund.de
2. 2Über uns - Martin-Luther-Bund Erlangenmartin-luther-bund.de
3. 3Kontakt - Martin-Luther-Bund Erlangenmartin-luther-bund.de
4. 4Martin Luther-Bund - Wikidatawikidata.org
5. 5Martin-Luther-Bund - Wikipédiafr.wikipedia.org
6. 6Suche - Martin-Luther-Bund Erlangenmartin-luther-bund.de