Western Wuppertal's Religious Congregations
In the heart of western Wuppertal, Germany, the Catholic parishes of Vohwinkel and Elberfeld are joining forces as part of a larger diocesan initiative called #ZusammenFinden. This future-oriented, solidarity-based, and interconnected pastoral care initiative aims to address the changing demographic, social, and pastoral needs of the community.
Background
The process unfolds within the Diocese of Essen, a region that, like many dioceses in Germany and Europe, faces challenges such as declining church attendance, fewer priests, and evolving community structures. In response, the Diocese of Essen has launched the strategic pastoral restructuring process, #ZusammenFinden, with the goal of combining smaller parishes into larger, more sustainable pastoral units or new parishes that can manage resources and serve the faithful more effectively.
The Merger in Motion
The merger between Vohwinkel and Elberfeld parishes is a practical response to these challenges. Dialogue began at the parish and deanery level, with parish councils, pastoral teams, and lay members exploring possibilities and addressing concerns related to parish mergers under #ZusammenFinden.
The Diocese provided structural guidelines and frameworks for the mergers, emphasizing participation, transparency, and respect for existing church traditions and properties. Following intensive discussions and a comprehensive voting process, the parishes of Vohwinkel and Elberfeld agreed to merge into a single pastoral unit or parish.
A United Parish in the Making
The merger process involves harmonising liturgical schedules, integrating parish councils, combining social and youth ministry programs, and possibly reassigning clergy. Efforts are ongoing to engage parishioners through meetings, newsletters, and events to foster unity and shared identity in the new parish structure.
As of mid-2025, the merger is actively underway with combined pastoral teams serving both communities. Joint events and services are becoming more frequent to build cohesion among parishioners from both districts. The Diocese of Essen continues to support the transition, monitoring pastoral effectiveness and community response.
Detailed outcomes regarding parish names, church building usage, and administrative structures are being finalised through ongoing dialogue. The merger will result in a single, larger parish that spans from Vohwinkel to Elberfeld and up to Dönberg, aiming to simplify the church structure and promote church life.
The merger is not just about pooling resources, but also preserving the diversity of the communities and shaping faith locally. This approach reflects the Diocese of Essen's commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient Catholic community in the face of modern challenges.
- As part of the ongoing merger process, the Vohwinkel and Elberfeld parishes have initiated discussions to integrate home-and-garden ministries, aiming to enrich the lifestyle of the combined congregation.
- In the process of creating a more sustainable pastoral unit, the merged parish will seek to maintain the unique lifestyle and traditions of both the Vohwinkel and Elberfeld communities, reflecting their home-and-garden approaches to faith and fellowship.