International Bonhoeffer Society

The International Bonhoeffer Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the theology and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor-theologian who actively opposed the Nazi regime. The Society, particularly its English Language Section, was established to promote research into Bonhoeffer's life, theology, and ethics.

History

The International Bonhoeffer Society was founded in 1971, with the English Language Section established in 1973. It has played a pivotal role in scholarship on Bonhoeffer, collaborating closely with scholars and family members, such as Eberhard Bethge and Renate Bethge, to further understanding of his work in English-speaking countries[4].

Mission and Activities

The Society serves as a community for scholars, religious leaders, and readers of Bonhoeffer. It encourages critical scholarship, engaged pedagogy, and public engagement with Bonhoeffer's writings. Key activities include publishing a newsletter, sponsoring academic exchanges, and participating in international Bonhoeffer congresses. A significant achievement is the publication of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works English Edition (DBWE), a seventeen-volume translation and critical edition project[4].

Membership and Events

The Society has approximately 650 members across more than 20 countries, with a significant presence in the United States[2]. It organizes annual meetings, special conferences, and a quadrennial international meeting to foster discussion and collaboration among scholars interested in Bonhoeffer's theology and legacy[2]. The Society is also involved in public ethics through co-sponsored biennial lectures[4].

Impact and Legacy

By promoting Bonhoeffer's theology and resistance against the Nazi regime, the Society contributes to broader discussions about faith, ethics, and political engagement. Its scholarship and community-building efforts have made it a leading authority on Bonhoeffer's life and teachings[5].