A renovation case: Pastor Sabine Arzberger collects for the renovation of the Church of Peace in Bad Wiessee. © STEFAN SCHWEIHOFER
The high number of resignations is causing financial problems for the churches. Cardinal Marx has announced a new strategy for the preservation of the churches. Some pastors are worried.
Munich/ Augsburg - The letter from the archiepiscopal ordinariate in Munich did not come as a surprise to the Berchtesgaden pastor Thomas Frauenlob. "We have to face the fact that the multitude of buildings and churches can no longer be preserved in this way because of a lack of financial resources," he writes. Not least because of the many people leaving the church.
"It was absolutely clear that this step would have to come at some point," says Frauenlob. His dean's office was asked if it would participate in a pilot project. Because the archdiocese wants to go the way together with the parishes. In the Berchtesgaden region and in a Munich deanery, the first experiences are now to be gained, for example through communication with the faithful.
Resignations from the Church: "We have to deal with it openly"
"The churches are very important to them," Frauenlob emphasizes. But the money is limited. "We have to be open about the fact that there are many people leaving the church and explain what the consequences are," he says.
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There are about 4000 pastoral buildings in the 748 parishes of the archdiocese, of which the 748 parish churches and 1100 branch churches. In view of the shortage of priests, one parish priest now supplies several parishes, and many rectories are no longer needed. However, the decision as to which properties to give up is not made "from above". At the dean's office level, this is to be worked out locally. In three regional conferences, the dean's offices are trained for this. The week after next, it is scheduled to start in Rosenheim.
Diocese of Augsburg: Probably the oldest church in Upper Bavaria in need of renovation for years
The parishes in the diocese of Augsburg are also struggling with austerity constraints. The Murnau pastor Siegbert Schindele has been worried about the Hechendorf church of St. Anna for a long time. The façade has cracks, the walls drift outwards. It could happen at any time that masses, baptisms or weddings can no longer be celebrated in the church.
We would like to preserve many of the sites for as long as possible. People need these places.
Regional Bishop Christian Kopp
The Diocese of Augsburg receives around 400 applications for construction measures every year. All of them are evaluated for urgency, St. Anna is not high on this list. Just like the Ramsachkircherl, called Ähndl. It could be the oldest church in Upper Bavaria. The small church is a popular excursion destination in the Murnauer Moos, but it is no longer a gem. The plaster crumbles over a large area. There has been no money for the renovation for years. Siegbert Schindele fears that this will not change anytime soon. "Our bishop wants to draw up a list of priorities. Then it will be decided which churches will no longer be preserved."
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Protestant Church also affected: "People need these places"
The Protestant Church is just as concerned. "Religion needs good places where you can strengthen yourself and find comfort," says Christian Kopp, Regional Bishop of Munich. He will be the new regional bishop from November and knows: "If we become fewer Protestants in Bavaria, then we can afford fewer places." The congregations decide independently here, the regional church provides assistance: "Priority A is always the church. We would like to preserve many of the locations for as long as possible. People need these places."
Worries about the Ähndl: Pastor Siegbert Schindele wants to preserve the old church. © Heino Herpen
Pastor Sabine Arzberger is currently submitting an application to receive subsidies from the regional church for the renovation of the Church of Peace in Bad Wiessee. The stairs are crumbling, it is raining through the church roof and the tower. The renovation costs amount to 816,000 euros. Even if the regional church grants the subsidy, the small parish has to pay more than half of it itself.
Pastor collects donations: "Also from people who have left the church"
That's why Arzberger is collecting donations. In six weeks, following a public request in the media, around 30,000 euros have been raised. "Even from people who have left the church," she reports. This touches her – shows her how important church buildings are for people. "They are attached to it – even those who don't often go to church services." But Arzberger knows that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get enough money for church renovations. "I fear that more churches will have to be rededicated or sold in the future if this trend continues."
Read also: Exclusive interview with Cardinal Marx: "I think I have evolved".
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