Church Membership in Germany Plummets

Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) Loses Half a Million Members in 2023

Decline in Church Membership Continues Trend of Religious Disaffiliation

The Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) has confirmed significant membership losses in 2023, with over half a million people leaving the church. According to preliminary figures, the EKD lost 590,000 members last year, bringing the total number of members to [insert new total].

This decline continues a long-term trend of religious disaffiliation in Germany. In recent decades, the number of people identifying as religious has steadily declined. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with a growing number of young people choosing to leave the church or never join in the first place.

The EKD has attributed the decline to a variety of factors, including social and cultural changes that have made religion less relevant to people's lives. The church has also faced criticism for its handling of social issues, which has alienated some members.