Decline in membership, allegations of abuse, financial deficit – the issues that the diocese is dealing with this year are not new. But there is a new vision.
The Diocese of Würzburg wants to set new strategic goals for the future this year. “The first thing a modern church has to do is be easily accessible,” said Bishop Franz Jung at the diocese’s annual press conference on Thursday. Among other things, he aimed at digital offers. The diocese also wants to mention more of the good it is doing, Jung said. Like many churches, the Diocese of Würzburg is experiencing a decline in membership. “The church in the diocese of Würzburg faces big questions,” said Jung.
In order to make itself fit for the future, the diocese developed a vision and mission in 2022, on the basis of which concrete goals for daily work should be created this year. Among other things, the mission emphasizes community with other denominations and religions as well as sustainability and social responsibility. For example, a climate protection manager should develop a strategic climate protection concept for the diocese.
Apparently, the church also has to break new ground in recruitment. The church representatives fear a drastic reduction in staff of 20 to 30 percent by 2030. The shortage of staff not only affects pastoral staff, but also specialists in the social sector such as in the care of the elderly. Since January there have already been new ways of dealing with the current employees. According to the new so-called basic order for church service, private life is becoming less important. For example, homosexual employees or employees with a second marriage are no longer threatened with dismissal after divorce.
In previous years, the diocese was increasingly confronted with problematic issues, such as a budget deficit. Therefore, the diocese issued, among other things, a freeze on construction and handed over the sponsorship of conference buildings. After the austerity measures, the budget seems to have leveled off somewhat. In December it was announced that the budget for the previous year had been balanced for the first time since 2017. For 2023, however, the diocese is still planning a deficit of 3.5 million euros. The expenditure is expected to amount to almost 212 million euros.
The investigation of abuse continues. According to its own statements, the diocese paid half a million euros to those affected in 2022. In order to better prevent abuse in the future, another report, which should be ready in about two years, should help, among other things. “But we will never be able to completely prevent abuse,” said Jung.