Cologne records the largest increase in exit numbers
The Catholic Church is in the middle of a crisis of confidence, which also seems to be having an impact on the number of people leaving. A survey has now revealed that more and more believers are leaving the churches in the largest German cities.
Wetzlar – 01.02.2022
In 2021, significantly more people left a Christian church in the largest cities in Germany than in the previous year. In Cologne, the number of resignations increased the most in percentage terms, according to a survey by the evangelical news agency “Idea” on Tuesday. In 2021, more than 19,000 believers left a church in Cologne, which corresponds to an increase of 178 percent compared to 2020. The responsible authorities in the 15 most populous German cities were asked for the survey. In Bremen and Dresden there were no figures for 2021.
Leipzig follows Cologne with just over 3,000 resignations and an increase of 102 percent, followed by Düsseldorf (almost 6,000 resignations, up 71 percent) and Munich (up 65 percent). The lowest increases were reported in Frankfurt am Main (7,600 resignations, up 20 percent), Hanover (6,600 resignations, up 24 percent) and Stuttgart (almost 6,000 resignations, up 28 percent). With a number of more than 22,000 people, Munich recorded the most people leaving the church of the 15 major cities. The exit numbers are not broken down by denomination.
Recently there have been increasing reports that the district courts and other authorities in many cities are unable to provide sufficient dates for people to leave the church. One reason for the high demand is probably the crisis of confidence in the Archdiocese of Cologne, which has its origins in the processing of abuse cases. After an investigation last year, Pope Francis declared that Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki had made “big mistakes”, especially in communication, but did not want to cover up any crimes. The Archbishop is on a break agreed with the Pope until Ash Wednesday, March 2, to reflect on the past few months. Until then, Auxiliary Bishop Rolf Steinhäuser will lead the Archdiocese as Apostolic Administrator. (Rome)
–
–
