Pastoral care and psychology in India and Germany

"Three in one": Two German organisations and an Indian church launched a joint series of events in December 2025.

The Leipzig Mission and the Ev.-luth. Mission in Lower Saxony (ELM) have joined forces to organise online events in English with the Ev.-luth. Mission in Tamil Church (India).

The topic of the first online seminar was "Spiritual Care - Pastoral Care and Psychology in India and Germany". Three competent experts discussed important questions: a psychologist from India, a senior doctor from a psychiatric clinic and a psychotherapist with her own practice from Germany. Although the contexts are different, the three women agreed on many points. They emphasised that it is the task of pastors to provide pastoral care with spiritual support.

If it becomes clear that professional support is needed, people should be referred to specialists. All three also agreed on the question of how they, as Christians, bring their own faith into their work. They are all professional and work with many people of other faiths. They do not proselytise in their work. But their own Christian faith has shaped their own standards and values, their view of humanity and their ethics. And that has an impact. After the discussion, there was a short round of information about news from the TELC.

The online event "Three in one" takes place three times a year in English. The next webinar is scheduled for 18 March 2026 at 5 pm. "Youth in a Changing Society: Challenges and Opportunities for the Church" will be the next topic. The head of the Youth Department and a deacon and podcaster have been invited. All interested parties who feel addressed by the organisation, the topic, the partnership, India and Germany are invited, as well as anyone who is curious.