Diocese of Speyer Reformed: Elf Deanery for a sustainable church!

Diocese of Speyer Reformed: Elf Deanery for a sustainable church!

Speyer, Deutschland - Speyer/Ludwigshafen - a huge upheaval is imminent! The diocese of Speyer presents a courageous draft for structural reform, which could revolutionize the church landscape. Under the motto "You should be a blessing", Vicar of General Markus Magin and Thomas Kiefer, head of the main department of pastoral care, set the course for sustainable pastoral care in the diocesan assembly. The proposal that emerges from the parish structure working group is an answer to the dramatic changes in society and the church. The reform is intended to strengthen the dean's offices and relieve the pastoral employees in order to meet the challenges of modern times.

The reasons for this reform are alarming: a massive decline in believers, financial bottlenecks and a loss of trust in the church force the diocese to act. Vicar of General Magin warns: "In many parishes, it becomes increasingly difficult to find believers who want or can support church life." The planned structural reform provides for the existing 70 parishes to combine into larger, sustainable units, whereby the dean's offices should act as central planning levels. In the future, the eleven deanates will take responsibility for the pastoral work and relieve the pastor of administrative tasks.

The next steps to reform

The reform process is already in full swing! After the concept is presented, the information and back registration phase starts, in which the believers are actively involved in the advisory process. From November 2024 to February 2025, numerous events are planned to obtain the opinions and ideas of the community. The first round of advice ends at the end of March 2025, followed by a new discussion in the diocesan assembly. The final concept is to be adopted in November 2025 and come into force in 2027. Magin and pine call up all believers: "Help to further develop the church future -proof!"