Church decline in Germany unbroken - fewer departures - Germany's Catholic and Protestant churches lose over a million members in 2025
Germany's two largest Christian denominations saw a sharp drop in membership last year. The Catholic and Protestant churches together lost over a million members in 2025. This decline continues a trend from previous years, with both institutions shrinking further.
The Catholic Church recorded 307,117 resignations in 2025, bringing its total membership down to 19.22 million. This figure represents just 23% of Germany's population, a noticeable decrease from 19.8 million in 2024. Heiner Wilmer, chairman of the German Bishops' Conference, acknowledged the numbers as a clear 'reflection of our church today'.
The Protestant Church (EKD) also faced significant losses, with around 350,000 members leaving in 2025. Its total membership now stands at approximately 17.4 million, down from 18 million the year before. Combined, the two churches lost roughly 1.13 million members over the past 12 months.
While exact historical records remain incomplete, recent years confirm a steady downward trend. Both churches have seen membership numbers fall consistently, with resignations driving much of the decline.
The latest figures highlight a continuing shift in Germany's religious landscape. With membership now at 19.2 million for Catholics and 17.4 million for Protestants, the churches face an ongoing challenge. The data reflects a broader pattern of declining affiliation across recent years.
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