The Barmen Declaration is the 1934 confession of the German Confessing Church, drafted by Karl Barth, rejecting Nazi interference in the church and declaring that Jesus Christ — not any earthly power — is the sole Lord of the church.
The Barmen Declaration
Christ Alone Is Lord of the Church
About The Barmen Declaration
Everything you need to understand this historic confession — its origins, its theology, and its enduring place in the life of the Church.
Adopted 1934
Forged by the Barmen Synod, the Barmen Declaration has guided Christian thought and worship for centuries — a confession tested by time and affirmed by the Church.
Theological Clarity
The Barmen Declaration answers the most essential questions of the Christian faith — who God is, who Christ is, and what the Church believes together. Explore it article by article.
One Faith, Shared Heritage
With 33,000 denominations and one Church, the historic creeds are our common ground. This site exists to make that shared heritage clearly explained and freely available to every believer, student, and seeker.
Why This Site Exists
The Barmen Declaration is the 1934 confession of the German Confessing Church, drafted by Karl Barth, rejecting Nazi interference in the church and declaring that Jesus Christ — not any earthly power — is the sole Lord of the church.
The Heavenly Network, in partnership with The Christian Chain, has developed this network of Church Creed and Confession sites in order to make the historic faith of the Church clearly explained, faithfully presented, and freely accessible to every believer, student, and seeker who wants to understand what the whole Church has always believed together.
This site is a scholarly, non-denominational reference site dedicated to the study of The Barmen Declaration. Our mission is to make The Declaration accessible, academically rigorous, and contextually explained for Christians, theology students, church leaders, and researchers worldwide.
Editorial Standards
- All historical sources and translations are cited and attributed.
- Content is written in an academic, accessible tone for both lay and scholarly readers.
- We are committed to interfaith respect and avoid denominational bias or doctrinal debate.
- Affiliate recommendations are transparently disclosed.
Ephesians 4:4–6"There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all."
Reformed Tradition — 1934
Barmen Synod
Latest Articles
Explore our most recent writing on this creed — its history, theology, and ongoing significance for the church today.
Barmen Declaration and Political Theology: What Does the Church Owe the State?
Thesis 5 of the Barmen Declaration addresses the relationship between church and state directly — affirming the state's God-given role in justice and peace while firmly rejecting totalitarianism. Its framework remains one of the most useful tools in Christian political theology.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 25, 2026
Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Barmen Declaration
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was not present at Barmen — he was in London when the declaration was adopted. But he was a key figure in the Confessing Church and his theology of costly discipleship grew from the same roots as the Barmen Declaration's central claims.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 18, 2026
The Six Theses of Barmen: A Guided Explanation
The Barmen Declaration consists of six theses, each citing Scripture, making a positive confession, and issuing a formal rejection. This guided explanation walks through each thesis — what it affirms, what it rejects, and why it still matters.
By Rev. C•D•F• Warrington, M.Div.
Ordained Minister, M.Div.
Date
April 11, 2026