They will succeed in erasing Christianity from the face of Germany
The Diocese of Speyer will have only nine parishes in the future, compared to the current 70. Last weekend, the diocesan assembly in Neustadt unanimously approved the pillars of the new pastoral structure. The parish boundaries will largely correspond to those of the former deaneries. Bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann spoke of a "momentous change" that required great courage (?) and expressed his gratitude (?) for the consensus achieved.
By October 31, the diocesan administration must draw up a plan detailing how and when the reform will be implemented. The new parishes will be led by a three-member board: a pastor, a pastoral assistant, and a parish administrator. The pastor and the assistant may be appointed for a maximum of two six-year terms. After this period, they must change positions.
According to the diocese, a parish synod council will share leadership responsibilities with the executive board. The financial management of the parishes will be handled by an administrative council. Several communities will merge into a single parish. Existing parishes can merge into a single community or form one with new boundaries by uniting with others. The goal is for parish life to be lived within these communities, coordinated at the parish level. (KNA)