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Celebrating diversity: Duisburg's churches are fighting an 800,000 euro deficit!
Duisburg Synod is planning measures for financial restructuring and promotes diversity and social cohesion in the region.
Celebrating diversity: Duisburg's churches are fighting an 800,000 euro deficit!
The current challenges facing the churches as society changes are obvious. In Duisburg, the district synod caused a stir when it unanimously awarded audit contracts to combat a deficit of 800,000 euros. This deficit is expected in the next five years in cross-community tasks. The local developments not only put financial resources to the test, but also raise questions about the role of the church in a changing society.
A variety of measures have already been launched to respond to the financial challenges. The synod is planning, among other things, merger talks with the neighboring Dinslaken church district and a unified sponsorship for daycare centers. In addition, the parish priest positions are to be reduced and the educational center and the advice center are to be transferred to diaconal sponsorship. The suggestions are based on an extensive participation and survey process that was carried out under the title “Working with Less”. The concrete proposals should be developed by the autumn synod and a final decision will be made in November.
Social change and the loss of influence
The challenges for the church are not only apparent in Duisburg. The decline in church membership is a major issue across the country. Loud ZDF Less than 50 percent of Germans are members of one of the major churches, which raises the question of the extent to which social cohesion is still based on religious values. The religious sociologist Detlef Pollack argues that although many values such as solidarity and empathy are Christian, they are also promoted by other social structures such as family and community.
In addition, it is clear that the Catholic Church is struggling with a crisis of trust. Gert Pickel, a church sociologist, adds that the decline in membership numbers and religiosity since the 1970s represents a long-term development and that the abuse scandals represent only part of the problem. Major institutions, including churches, appear to be losing importance as society seeks new ways to deal with life crises.
Democratic support and the role of the churches
The consequences of the decline in membership are not without impact on volunteer work and social participation. Statistics show that 50 percent of church members volunteer, while only 33 percent of non-denominational people are active. Less engagement could lead to low interest in democratic processes, which in turn can affect social trust within society.
To counteract this trend, experts suggest, as in one MDR report called, proposes to position the church as a central provider for rituals that are needed by many people, such as weddings and funerals. Participation offers that are not necessarily religious could also help to attract new members.
It remains to be seen what specific measures will ultimately be taken. The coming autumn synod will make a significant contribution to reshaping the future of the church in the Duisburg area and beyond. In times when social cohesion no longer seems to be secured solely by religious institutions, it is more important than ever to find new ways to reach and involve people in their communities.