Future of the churches: Synod Cologne-Süd plans merged strength and climate protection

Future of the churches: Synod Cologne-Süd plans merged strength and climate protection

In the Mhaelshoven vocation education department, the penultimate synod of the Cologne-Süd church district recently met. The focus was on the future of the church buildings, because this is much more than just stone and mortar. Synodal assessor Michael Miehe informed those present about the upcoming merger with the church districts of Cologne-Nord and Cologne-Mitte, which comes into force in early 2024.

In a harmonious atmosphere, superintendents Susanne Beuth from Cologne-Mitte and Markus Zimmermann from Cologne-Nord exchanged the preparations. The latter reported an excellent cooperation in the steering group to merge and the planned moves of the superintendent to the Charterhouse, which is to be carried out on January 1, 2026. In an oasis of progress, the formation of a representative committee was also decided, which consists of five laypersons and four theologians from the church circles involved and will work under the chair of Markus Zimmermann.

A look into the future of the buildings

If you look at the upcoming challenges, building requirements planning is a central component. The municipalities of Rodenkirchen, Rondorf and Sürth-Weiß have already come together for a joint future project. In order to advance the urgently needed climate protection, the parishes must clarify which buildings they need in the long term by the end of 2027 and make them green -neutral by 2035. This agreement emerges from the decision of the state synod, which obliges the church circles to plan their building structures sustainably.

The ecumenical educational forum for energy -efficient inventory renovation (BEB) has developed recommendations in the past two years to help the communities to direct a look at the frequency of use, historical importance and potential cooperation in determining their building decisions. These fundamental approaches are now part of the [documentation of the BEB project] (https://umwelt.ekbo.de/detail/kirchenkreis-und-kirchengemeinden-auf-dem-weg- zu-iner--baeuDeplanung) that is available free of charge.

climate protection as a central concern

Another exciting point of the synod was the critical voice of Elias Rinsche, who addressed the lack of inclusion of youth in decision -making processes. It hits the nerve of the time, because climate protection is not only the focus of the synod, but also as the central concern of the entire Gospels in Rhineland. In addition, the regional church will accompany the process for building planning to ensure that all reference groups are integrated and solutions are developed together.

The first meeting of the new church district will take place in Bergheim in mid -February. Until then, it will be shown how quickly and effectively the municipalities can implement the new future -oriented steps. An area in which everyone has to create together is the switch to regenerative energies and the energy -efficient renovation of listed buildings.

finances in the upswing

On the financial side, the Cologne-Süd church district can also report positive news: The annual financial statements 2024 shows a total of 2,377,809 euros, with a gratifying surplus of 153,598 euros. This shows that despite the challenges, which will be created, among other things, the allegations of 1.5 percent decreased by 1.5 percent, the financial basis remains stable. The use of the surplus goes partly to projects outside the church district, the strengthening of the community and the continuation.

The future of the church in Cologne-Süd looks promising-and it remains exciting to observe how citizens and church members will react to these changes in the coming years.