“DIAKRISIS” is a concept from the Greek and means roughly “distinguishing the spirits”. The Institute was founded in 1997 as the administrative office and theological research centre of the IKCG/ICN. Until that time, the then chairman of the IKG/ICN, Professor Dr. Peter Beyerhaus, had carried out his activities for the IKG/ICN from the Tübingen University’s Institute for Mission Studies and Ecumenical Theology, of which he was then the director. After his retirement, this was no longer possible, and thus the Diakrisis Institute was inaugurated with its seat in Gomaringen (near Tübingen), where Prof. Beyerhaus lives.

Today, the Diakrisis Institute works in close cooperation with the Theological Commission on matters of basic theological research and supports the statements and publications of the IKG/ICN. It is responsible for the publication of the quarterly periodical DIAKRISIS. In addition it carries out te administrative tasks  of the IKG/ICN and documents/archives the association’s work