Evangelical Churches in Germany Report Drop in Membership but Fewer Departures

The number of evangelical Christians in Germany has continued to decline, despite a noticeable decrease in the number of individuals choosing to leave the church. According to recent statistics released by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), approximately 18 million people were members of one of the 20 regional churches at the end of the previous year, representing a drop of nearly 500,000 from the year before. A decade ago, membership levels exceeded 22 million.

In contrast to the overall trend, the figures for church departures showed an 8.2% reduction compared to the previous year, with 345,000 individuals opting to leave the church in 2024. In terms of new members, around 110,000 people were baptized, a decrease from 136,000 in 2023. Additionally, 15,000 individuals were welcomed into the church, while the number of members who passed away reached 335,000. Overall, the church's membership declined by about 3.2% compared to the previous year.

Kirsten Fehrs, the chairperson of the EKD Council, noted that church membership is no longer considered a given in contemporary society. In the face of numerous crises, the need for reliable pastoral care and support is becoming increasingly crucial. Fehrs emphasized the importance of providing spiritual spaces and safe environments for discourse, stating that society relies more than ever on civic engagement, including through church and social welfare activities.

The diminishing number of baptisms is a particular cause for concern, according to Fehrs. The church is committed to enhancing its outreach efforts, aiming to connect with individuals through its various ecclesiastical and charitable programs, while also emphasizing the significance of baptism as a foundational element of Christian community.