Caritas and diakonia are central to the communication of the gospel in word and deed. They describe a basic attitude of mindfulness for suffering and standing up for people in need. At the same time, they stand for the organized social commitment of the two large churches. In 57 articles, experts from science, charities and churches deal with the manifestations and challenges of diakonia and Caritas. Aid practices that have Jewish or Islamic influences or are based on human rights also come into focus. Traditions of diaconal action are presented as well as discourses on the further development of the social as well as exemplary fields of action. The compendium aims to help make church social responsibility much more cooperative and to intensify the dialogue with actors of different backgrounds. That makes it a unique manual for study and practice.