EN
In 2013 the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany published a Companion Guide Zwischen Autonomie und Angewiesenheit. Familie als ver-lässliche Gemeinschaft stärken - Between autonomy and dependence – strengthening the family as a reliable community. The article presents the content of this Companion regarding families and the challenges they face, with special attention to theological analysis contained in the Companion. The article also presents the arguments for and against that have appeared in German public discussion in various milieus (academic theologians, politicians and social activists, media representatives, as well as state authorities and various church circles).