Since the 1990s the Christian social service in Germany has been subject to a profound process of change which is directly connected with the transformation of the German welfare state. Its reorientation on the basis of the model of the activating state has decisively transformed the framework conditions for voluntary welfare work. As a result the Christian social service finds itself in a melange of social service orientation, decentralisation to company level, civil society role ascription and self-image of the Church. After analysing the change in the social welfare system, its effects on the Christian social service are described: first of all with regard to the so-called intermediate sphere in which Christian social service organisations are situated nowadays, then with regard to the function of theological rationals for diaconal action which are often pushed into the background under the pressure of economic demands. In order to strengthen the diaconal orientation, the cooperation with the church on the parochial level or with other civil society organisations is discussed. Finally the chances and risks of these developments for the Christian social service are highlighted.

Enthalten in:
Theologische Literaturzeitung; 2013/4 Monatsschrift für das gesamte Gebiet der Theologie und Religionswissenschaft (2013)

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Serie / Reihe: Theologische Literaturzeitung

Personen: Eurich, Johannes

Schlagwörter: Theologie Zivilgesellschaft Diakonie Wohlfahrtsstaat Transformation Dienstleistungssektor