Church - Catholic Church: fewer resignations than in 2022
The Catholic Church in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland lost thousands of members last year, but the number of departures has decreased. This is evident from the financial statements that the dioceses announced on Thursday. These figures align with the nationwide trend. In Germany, the number of departures reached over half a million in 2022 - a dramatic negative record. However, in 2023, there were 402,694 departures, as reported by the German Bishops' Conference in Bonn.
According to the Diocese of Mainz, approximately 13,500 departures were registered there in 2023. "That's a high number," Bishop Peter Kohlgraf remarked, "but also a significant decrease compared to the peak in 2022." At that time, there were around 16,600. Many view the church as a problem case. "Without the church, there would be no children and youth who engage so much and show a side of the church that gives courage," Kohlgraf emphasized. "I know of no other organization that does this on such a large scale." The number of Catholic women and men in the diocese was around 621,000 in 2023. The Diocese of Mainz covers one-third of Rhineland-Palatinate and two-thirds of Hessen.
Lower decrease not reassuring
The Diocese of Trier reported 22,618 departures in 2023, fewer than in 2022 (28,137). "This is still a significant level and not a trend reversal," General Vicar Ulrich von Plettenberg remarked. "We acknowledge the reality of a shrinking church and try to adapt our pastoral work accordingly, but also explore new paths." This means offering people opportunities tailored to their life situations. "Whether it's families, seniors, people with disabilities, refugees, disengaged, or deeply committed churchgoers," the General Vicar shared. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1.174 million Catholic women and men living in the diocese, which includes a large part of Saarland.
According to the Diocese of Speyer, 9,158 people left the Catholic Church in the Palatinate and Saarpfalz district in 2023 - roughly 2,700 fewer than the previous year. "The number has decreased," General Vicar Markus Magin said, "but this in no way reassures me." It becomes clear that for many people, the church is no longer relevant in their lives - "which I deeply regret." The number of Catholic women and men in the diocese was around 451,000 in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland in 2023, representing a 3.2% decrease compared to 2022.
Diocese of Mainz Diocese of Speyer Diocese of Trier
- The Diocese of Saarbrücken, located in Saarland, also experienced a decrease in departures last year, following the nationwide trend.
- The Archdiocese of Trier, which spans parts of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, announced lower departures in 2023 compared to the previous year.
- The Catholic Church in the Palatinate region, including the Diocese of Speyer, reported a decrease in members leaving the faith in 2023.
- Bonn, known as the location for the German Bishops' Conference, reported a total of 402,694 departures from the Catholic Church in Germany in 2023.
- The Catholic Church in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, which covers a significant portion of southwestern Germany, has been dealing with a declining membership.
- The Bishop of the Diocese of Trier, known for its rich history and connection to the Catholic Church, expressed concern despite the decreased number of departures in 2023.
- The City of Mainz, home to one of the largest Dioceses in Rhineland-Palatinate, has seen a noticeable decrease in departures from the Catholic Church, even though the overall number remains high.
- The society of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland has been impacted by the decreasing number of members in its Catholic Church, leading to discussions on how to engage and retain the remaining faithful.
