Project Bonhoeffer

Project Bonhoeffer is a United Kingdom-based registered charity (charity number 1151148) established in 2012. The organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian known for his resistance against Nazi dictatorship and his profound theological contributions.

History and Purpose

Project Bonhoeffer was founded by a small group of friends who were personally impacted by Bonhoeffer’s life and thought during their youth as Christians approximately fifty years prior to the charity's establishment. Motivated by a desire to transmit that influence to younger generations, the charity aims to offer opportunities for young people to engage with Christian faith through reflection and active service.

The core mission of Project Bonhoeffer is to inspire and equip individuals, particularly young Christians, to live out their faith in ways that address critical social and political challenges. It encourages theological reflection, dialogue, and community formation centered on Bonhoeffer’s life and works, emphasizing the application of faith to social justice and ethical action.

Activities

Project Bonhoeffer organizes day conferences, seminars, and events featuring guest speakers who explore Bonhoeffer’s ideas and their relevance to contemporary global issues. It collaborates with the Student Christian Movement to run an internship program that offers young people practical experience in Christian social action, particularly in contexts of inequality and injustice where institutional care may be lacking.

Furthermore, the organization provides grants and bursaries to support Christian organizations and young people committed to serving their communities in the spirit of Bonhoeffer’s example.

Governance and Structure

The charity is governed by a board of seven trustees who oversee its management and administration. Project Bonhoeffer operates throughout England and Wales, focusing on education, human rights, religious and racial harmony, equality, and diversity.

It functions as a grant-making body and engages in educational and training activities aimed at supporting other charities and voluntary bodies aligned with its mission.

Financial Overview

For the financial year ending 31 January 2024, Project Bonhoeffer reported its income and expenditure without employing staff receiving total benefits exceeding £60,000 annually. The organization allocates its resources towards promoting internships, educational events, grants, and bursaries consistent with its charitable objectives.

Project Bonhoeffer plays a significant role in fostering an active Christian engagement with social and political issues, rooted in the enduring influence of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s ethical and theological vision.

Note: This article is based on information available from official charity records and the organization’s own communications.

[1] https://www.projectbonhoeffer.org.uk [2] https://www.projectbonhoeffer.org.uk/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5035334 [4] https://networkleeds.com/projects/project-bonhoeffer [5] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5035334/full-print