The project "Forum Young Theology in Europe" aims to bring young Protestant Europeans together in a sustainable dialogue about the situation of their respective churches in different countries. Church-related stakeholders are often caught between a strong rootedness in historically and culturally shaped narratives on the one hand and the affiliation to European Protestantism and worldwide Christianity on the other. This tension and the general pluralisation of contemporary forms of social participation result in a multitude of possibilities for young Protestants in Europe to participate in church and social processes. Through the exchange about the respective social challenges, the participants will be enabled to speak and act concerning their identity, values and perspectives for the future. A Europe-wide network will be established. Together, the participants develop materials that can be used in practice in various European church contexts - and thus by a broad public - especially in congregations and in educational settings.
Protestantism is a minority phenomenon in many regions of Europe and is therefore particularly challenged to address questions of identity, focussing on a perspective for the future. Young Protestants in particular experience a tension between this diaspora situation on the one hand and the identity-forming affiliation to European Protestantism and worldwide Christianity on the other. In this area of tension, there is a need to improve one's own ability to speak and act with regard to values and identity, not only within one's own church, but also in secular society, both on a national and on a European level. This strengthens the European sense of community and contributes to the future viability of a European-oriented Protestantism. The Forum Young Theology in Europe therefore offers young Protestant Europeans the unique opportunity to work together on issues of European relevance, to deepen their understanding of these issues, to network with other actors and to bring jointly developed ideas into their respective contexts.