The membership of the Catholic and Evangelical churches in Germany has been decreasing for years, with a notable drop in recent decades. In 2024, church members account for approximately 45% of the population, down from former majorities. Members leave mostly due to social changes and scandals, including revelations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, notably around 2022 in the Munich and Cologne dioceses. The age group of 18 to 49 shows significant departures, while membership increases again in older age groups. Regional differences persist: Catholic membership remains relatively high in Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia, whereas former East German states exhibit the lowest affiliation rates, due in part to the former GDR’s anti-church policies. Despite losses, some regions maintain stronger church presence. The report highlights the complex and ongoing shifts shaping religious affiliation in Germany.

Source: https://www.zdfheute.de/panorama/kirche-kirchenaustritt-katholisch-evangelisch-grafiken-100.html