Because of the energy crisis: renovate or demolish the church in Putzbrunn?

Created: 09/28/2022, 05:30

By: Bert Brosch

The ecumenical church center was opened exactly 29 years ago.

It is uncertain how things will continue in concrete terms.

© Brosch

Catholics and Protestants in Putzbrunn discuss the future of the ecumenical center - because there is no money in the coffers.

Putzbrunn – The astronomical increase in energy prices does not stop at places of worship either: the gas costs for the ecumenical church center in Putzbrunn have increased fourfold in some cases.

Now the parish assembly discussed closing one of the churches - even the term "demolition" was mentioned.

The future of the church center was discussed at the recent church consecration festival, and 50 believers from both denominations took part in the debate.

Catholics and Protestants alike face the same problems: massive decline in membership, vacant space - and skyrocketing energy bills.

They celebrated church services together

The church center was opened 29 years ago, the Protestant and Catholic churches as well as other institutions are right next to each other.

Many rooms are shared, and ecumenical services have been celebrated together for years.

In 2018, Archbishop Cardinal Reinhard Marx banned this because Catholics would celebrate the so-called Eucharist differently.

This came as a shock to both denominations.

In the meantime, we have agreed on a few joint services, but now there are other problems.

"Today there are still 781 Protestant Christians in Putzbrunn, and the trend is falling sharply. The dean's office in Munich asks whether that is still enough for one and a half posts," said the Protestant pastor Philipp Stolz.

Josef Bruckmeier from the Catholic church administration reported that there were 2,800 Catholics in 2015, today there are still 2,200. "We don't have the appropriate church tax, the services are empty, and fewer donations are made."

Reasons for empty services: abuse scandal

From his point of view, the reasons for this are the abuse scandal, the immobility in Rome and the reduced income of the members.

“Three years ago we wanted to have the steeple of the old church repainted, but the examination revealed that three of the beams were completely rotted.

The renovation would cost up to 300,000 euros,” says Bruckmeier.

The diocese had said clearly that they had no money for this, "we could report in ten years at the earliest".

Tense mood: Pastor Philipp Stolz.

© Brosch

And now the enormous energy costs: Catholics used to pay 1,600 euros a month for gas, since December 2021 the costs have risen to 3,000 euros, and from January it should be 6,200 euros.

"We already have a few reserves of around 50,000 euros, but everyone can calculate how quickly that will be gone.

We have to find a way to reduce that,” demanded Josef Bruckmeier.

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Roderick Müller from the Evangelical Church Council reported similar problems.

“At the moment our finances are solid and good.

But two years without church services and therefore without a collection, now church services with few believers - of course we don't have any income.

And here, too, energy prices are rising enormously.”

So the question arises for all believers, says Pastor Stolz, how things will continue in the church center.

Christian Nuber from the Catholic board reported that ideas had already been collected and talked to Putzbrunn's mayor Edwin Klostermeier (SPD).

“How can you use large rooms that are often empty differently?

Is it possible to do without a church, rebuild something or tear it down?” says Nuber.

Bruckmeier agreed that the question clearly arises as to whether Putzbrunn really needs two churches with two expensive heating systems.

A woman referred to the St. Bonifatius church in Haar: "They built a PV system on the roof.

In addition, our rooms could be rented out in order to generate income.” Municipal councilor Josef Jakob (FWG) said he was in favor of installing a woodchip heating system instead of gas.

"The church has such large forests that they could deliver the wood chips to us free of charge."

Comparison with company

Thomas Nirschl compared the churches to a company.

“If a company has less and less sales, it dies.

I suggest a cross-denominational support association, also for non-Christians, so everyone can get involved, including financially.” Ilse Liebmann from the Catholic parish council suggested tearing down one of the churches and building social housing and a hospice instead.

On the other hand, several citizens pleaded strongly against conversions or even demolitions.

"We have to set an example in Christianity, then more people will join the churches again," said one man.

Pastor Stolz replied that from his point of view there was only one way after 500 years of separation: both churches had to unite.

"In some places, such as Augsburg, one church is used by both denominations, that would be a way for Putzbrunn."