Reforms: 36 new parishes to start in 2026 in the Archdiocese of Freiburg

The Archdiocese of Freiburg is set to introduce major structural changes from January 1, 2026. The reform will reduce the number of parishes from 1,048 to just 36, aiming to secure the future of church work amid falling membership and financial pressures. Archbishop Stephan Burger has described the move as a chance to strengthen pastoral care and community ties.

Under the new system, each of the 36 parishes will be managed by a team of parish priests, senior advisors, and administrators. This shift will create a clearer division between administrative tasks and pastoral duties. The existing pastoral care units and deaneries will be disbanded as part of the changes.

Support for the parishes will come from a central diocesan administrative service in Freiburg, with additional regional offices. The reform also includes plans to maintain established pastoral services while introducing new forms of church life. Archbishop Burger has stressed that this is not a final step but the beginning of an ongoing process of adaptation. From the start of 2026, 748 newly elected volunteers will begin their roles in parish councils. Their involvement is intended to help shape the future direction of the parishes. The changes form part of the Archdiocese’s *Church Development 2030* plan, designed to ensure sustainable church operations in the coming years.

The consolidation of parishes and introduction of new governance structures will take effect on January 1, 2026. The Archdiocese expects the reforms to improve efficiency and refocus efforts on pastoral care. Volunteers and administrative teams will play a key role in implementing the changes across the 36 new parishes.