Currently, there are about 19.8 million Catholics and 18 million Protestants in Germany, highlighting the ongoing challenges both denominations face.

The financial implications of declining membership are severe, forcing both churches to cut back on social services and consider closing some of their facilities.

Despite this slight reduction in church exits, the overall membership of major churches continues to decline, as reported on March 27, 2025.

In light of these challenges, church leaders are encouraged to view the current crisis as an opportunity for reinvention and improvement.

Bishop Bertram Meier of Augsburg expressed concern over the impact of each individual leaving the church, emphasizing the personal loss behind the statistics.

The Catholic Church in Germany faced a significant decline in membership, with approximately 322,000 individuals leaving in 2024, a decrease from over 400,000 in the previous year.

Bishop Georg Bätzing emphasized the importance of reconnecting with the community and presenting faith as a viable life option.

Kirsten Fehrs, chair of the EKD, stressed the need to engage individuals with church offerings and underscored the significance of baptism in fostering a sense of community.

Fehrs also expressed concern over declining baptism rates, warning that this trend could lead to further losses in church membership among future generations.

However, creative solutions are emerging, such as a collaboration between a Catholic parish and a Protestant church in Lübeck, which involves sharing a building and adapting practices.

Georg Bätzing, chair of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, acknowledged the challenges posed by declining numbers and called for a reevaluation of the church's mission and outreach.

These membership figures are based on preliminary data reported by regional churches as of December 31, 2024.