German churches evaluate future use of thousands of properties

Churches in Germany are initiating large-scale assessments of their real estate holdings to address declining membership and church tax revenues. In Bavaria, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria (ELKB) is conducting a comprehensive building requirements planning process. By the end of 2026, more than 6,000 buildings will be evaluated and categorized to determine which can be sustained through church taxes. Projections suggest the church may only be able to permanently finance approximately half of its properties through tax funds by 2035.

To manage this transition, the ELKB is utilizing the newly founded real estate consultancy Equadra and the Evangelical Building Culture Foundation to secure additional funds, particularly for historic monuments. The goal is to develop alternative financing models and collaborative uses rather than simply abandoning buildings.

Similarly, in Württemberg, the Evangelical State Church and the Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart have launched a series of regional meetings to develop sustainable solutions for church buildings. These meetings aim to foster cooperation between church congregations and local municipalities to ensure the long-term, effective use of properties within their communities.