More than 400,000 people have left.
In 2023, over 402,000 individuals formally left the Catholic Church in Germany, a significant number although slightly lower than the record set in 2022. This trend, reported by the German Bishops’ Conference, marks the second-highest departure rate on record, following a slight decline from the previous year’s 522,821 departures. The decision to leave often involves financial considerations, as exiting members are relieved of the church tax obligation, which is integrated into Germany’s tax system.
Despite these departures, the Catholic Church in Germany still reported an overall membership of approximately 20.35 million by the end of 2023. However, ongoing scandals involving clergy abuse have contributed to a broader crisis within the Church, prompting many to distance themselves. These issues have underscored a need for reform, leading to initiatives such as the “Synodal Path,” which has sparked significant debate within the Church regarding progressive reforms like blessings for same-sex unions, despite opposition from the Vatican.
The Protestant Church in Germany has also faced significant departures, with around 380,000 members leaving in the past year, reflecting broader challenges across religious institutions in the country. Meanwhile, the situation contrasts in the United States, where regions like South Florida have seen growth in Catholic enrollment, driven largely by an increasing Hispanic population. However, other areas, particularly in the Northeast, continue to experience declining church attendance.
Research highlights varying trends in Catholic identification across U.S. states from 2008 to 2022, with some seeing increases while others, like Hawaii and Connecticut, report declines. This diversity extends to weekly Mass attendance, with states such as Alaska and Hawaii showing increases, while others like Wyoming and Rhode Island exhibit declines.
Overall, the Catholic Church’s challenges in Germany reflect broader global trends of declining membership and attendance in some regions, juxtaposed with growth in others. These dynamics underscore ongoing debates and reforms within religious institutions as they navigate complex societal and cultural shifts.