A German Catholic parish forced to sell due to dwindling faith and funds
16 March 2024 13:33
Lack of faith and financial troubles have forced the Catholic parish in Lispenhausen (central Germany) to sell the church, rectory, and monastery. "It's a brutal, but necessary step," says Deutsche Welle dean Andreas Schweimer, who listed the buildings on a popular website.
The church with the rectory and monastery was priced at approximately £330,000. However, it is possible that the German parish will not receive this amount. In the listing, it is noted that the price "is negotiable".
Dean Andreas Schweimer in a conversation with the Catholic website domradio.de explains that only a few people attended the church. About 10 percent of the population in the region are Catholics, but only about 6 percent regularly participate in the services.
"Selling this church is for me a symbol of the retreat of faith," comments the clergyman. The properties cover an area of nearly 1,700 square metres.
Church for sale, but with a specific condition
"The property for sale is a Catholic church built in 1963, a rectory, an intermediate wing connecting to 8 monastery cells, added in 1980, a driveway, and parking spaces for cars in the Lispenhausen district of Rotenburg," - this is the content of the listing placed on the website kleinanzeigen.de.
It was added in it that "the property is located on a hill in the centre of the city and offers a wonderful view of the Fulda valley. The buildings can be used both for spiritual and residential purposes".
According to radio SWR3, so far nearly twenty offers have been received, but for now, three serious offers are being considered. The final sale must still be approved by the Fulda diocese. There is a requirement - the property cannot be sold to 'non-Christian religious and ideological communities'.
