Katharina Cell Award Recipient: Sarah Vecera
Sarah Vecera, a preaching deaconess of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, has been awarded the prestigious Katharina Zell Prize 2025. Born in 1983 in Oberhausen, Vecera has made significant strides in overcoming racism, sexism, and discrimination within the church, earning her recognition beyond the religious scene.
Vecera's journey began with her studies in theology, religious, and social pedagogy in Kassel and Bochum. She later joined the United Evangelical Mission (VEM) in 2013, where she currently serves as an education officer with a focus on "Racism and Church" and as deputy head of the Germany department.
Vecera's formative year was spent in Tanzania with the VEM volunteer service, an experience that undoubtedly shaped her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. Her work has contributed to the acknowledgment of discrimination in church debates, and she has been instrumental in emphasizing dignity and recognition for the experience of marginalized people within the church.
Anja Schwier-Weinrich, a jury member and managing pastor, commended Vecera for her unwavering commitment, stating, "Vecera is a strong role model as a feminist and encourager on the path to a just church for all." Hadija Haruna-Oelker, a Frankfurt journalist, praised Vecera for bringing a language about topics into spaces where there was previously a comfortable silence.
Vecera's work extends beyond the church walls, with a significant presence on Instagram (@moyo.me) and the podcast "Stachel & Herz," where she discusses racism and discrimination. She has authored books such as "How Jesus Became White" and "Together Different," and initiated the "All Children's Bible" to promote diversity within the church.
Katharina Zell, for whom the prize is named, was a significant woman of the Reformation in Strasbourg. Wife of reformer Matthäus Zell, Zell tirelessly advocated for refugees, the poor, and the sick. Despite persecution, she refused to be silenced and became a pioneer of female voice and solidarity in the church.
The Katharina Zell Prize is awarded by the State Association of Evangelical Women in Hesse and Nassau to women who have made outstanding contributions to the church and society. Vecera's work has undoubtedly earned her this recognition, and her commitment to overcoming racism, sexism, and discrimination continues to inspire and pave the way for a more inclusive church.
