Church of Paul, Mülheim to Discontinue Usage by Year-End 2027 (Cessation of Use Scheduled for Final Quarter of 2027)
The Evangelical Pauluskirche, a community staple in Mülheim for over five decades, is set to close its doors at the end of 2027. The decision, made by the Presidium of the United Evangelical Church (VEK), comes as a response to the current financial developments within the Evangelical Church in the area.
The church's closure is primarily due to financial difficulties. A steady decline in church attendance, coupled with increasing maintenance costs for the older building, has strained the church's budget to the point where sustaining the Pauluskirche has become economically unfeasible. The broader Evangelical Church community in Mülheim is experiencing budget cuts, and resources must be prioritised, leading to the decision to close less financially sustainable sites like Pauluskirche.
The news of the closure has been received with great regret by more than 200 honorary workers, but there has also been a great understanding for the step. Financial reserves are not being used to cover operational costs, reflecting a commitment towards current and future generations.
The community centre adjacent to the Pauluskirche, primarily used for children and youth work, will also be affected by the closure. The centre will continue to operate until the end of 2027 to develop new concepts and find alternative spaces for current offerings.
The consistory will work with determination towards a good and forward-looking solution for all existing and future offers. Members of the congregation are invited to discuss the future of the congregation, including the newly emerging bridge congregation, with the consistory and participate in the design processes.
Meaningful concepts and appropriate farewells are being planned for the closing of the Pauluskirche and community centre. The church building on Sauerbruchstraße, which is under monument protection, has an uncertain future after 2028.
The closure will likely increase reliance on the neighbouring community centre for religious, social, and cultural activities formerly hosted at Pauluskirche. The community centre may face challenges accommodating additional events and visitors, potentially requiring expanded facilities or funding. On a positive note, the community centre could collaborate more closely with the Evangelical Church to continue community services, possibly attracting new funding and support through joint programs.
The Evangelical Church in Mülheim is facing significant financial challenges, with a projected decrease of around 300,000 euros in church tax revenue for 2025. The closure decision was made after intensive discussions and considerations, demonstrating the church's commitment to finding the best possible solutions for its congregation and the wider community.
- The closure of the Pauluskirche, a long-standing part of the Mülheim community, is due to its unsustainable financial state, characterized by declining church attendance and escalating maintenance costs for the aging building.
- Recognizing the financial struggles within the Evangelical Church in Mülheim, resources are being reallocated to prioritize more financially viable sites, like the Pauluskirche, which must close its doors in 2027.
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