Church re-entry

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The church re-entry is the return of baptized Christians in their original church ( denomination ). A distinction is made between conversion and admission to another church, denomination or religion.

Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD)

The colloquially so-called “re-entry” is actually a re-entry according to the Protestant understanding. This distinction expresses the fact that when a person is admitted, the recipient (here the Church) has a say in the decision- making process and the legal act does not depend solely on the will of the person entering.

For re-entry (also "re-entry", previously having been and resigned from a Protestant regional church), conversion (giving up previous membership in another Christian denomination without prior resignation with civil effect) and acceptance (prior resignation with civil effect from another Christian denomination ) the following data is required in Germany:

  • (all) first name (s) and surname
  • Date and place of birth (and, if applicable, the maiden name)
  • Baptism date and place (and, if applicable, the surname at the time of baptism)
  • Date and place of leaving the church (not applicable when converting)

The “re-entry” can take place in Germany at any parish office , preferably at the local parish office of the applicant's place of residence. In a pastoral conversation, which cannot take place in writing or by e-mail, the pastor will inquire about the reasons for the resignation and the desired resumption, the transfer or the admission. Questions about living conditions and any pastoral concerns also come up frequently in the conversation. However, it is not about a test of faith. Some regional churches also give the opportunity to have the necessary conversation over the phone. In many regional churches there are city parish offices, church shops and re-entry offices where the step can be carried out with a low threshold. Every year around 40,000 people rejoin the Evangelical Church or transfer from another church. The re-entry and transfer rates in the Catholic Church are around 10,000 people.

The resumption, the conversion and the admission can take place in or after a (communion) service (with witnesses). A rebaptism does not take place. The first admission into a church occurs with baptism . The consequence of the resumption of membership is the regaining of rights and obligations from church membership. Even Protestant Understanding leads leaving the church is not within the church to end the church membership, but only to the loss of the rights and obligations of the church membership. The result of both conversion and admission is the acquisition of church membership.

Legal basis

The legal basis is the Church Membership Act of the EKD (in particular §§ 7ff.) In conjunction with the respective church membership ordinances (KMVO) of the regional churches. With the (re) entry into the Protestant church in Germany, the church tax liability of those entering again arises .

Roman Catholic Church

Catholic Church in Germany

When re-entering the Catholic Church, the focus is on talking to the pastor / priest. After discussions about getting to know each other and also about the reasons for re-entry, the clergyman introduces the candidate for re-entry to the bishop - usually in a letter - and asks for re-entry into the church.

In a solemn setting - either a small celebration with the pastor and two witnesses - or in a larger church service - the candidate is accepted back into the community.

Via a nationwide internet portal for re-entry, the Roman Catholic Church in Germany enables uncomplicated contact to employees with whom one can discuss all questions about a possible entry into the church or church re-entry.

The southwest German dioceses of Fulda, Limburg, Speyer, Mainz and Trier have started their own initiative promoting entry into the Catholic Church.

Catholic Church in Austria

The Austrian archdioceses and dioceses operate a joint Internet portal that provides information on questions about re-entry (officially: "Reversion"). Re-entry into the church does not have to take place in the parish of the place of residence, you can also contact the relevant diocesan contact person. The celebration of the resumption can be carried out at the choice of the person entering the parish office, as a celebration with a small group or as part of a church service.

Catholic Church in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church operate a joint Internet portal for re-entry. Returning Catholics can use a contact form to connect to the relevant Catholic diocese.

Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK)

Re-entry into the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK) takes place at a Lutheran parish of this church. The pastor will ask the applicant for an interview in order to get to know him and to find out the reasons for the re-entry. After the conversation, the pastor can accept those who ask for admission into the community. Depending on the parish regulations, the church council may be heard. However, the ultimate responsibility rests with the pastor. The corresponding community ordinances apply based on the model community ordinance of the church ordinances of the SELK.

Re-entry is accomplished through participation in Holy Communion. The congregation will be notified of the entry in the service under "Discontinuations" and published in the congregation letter.

A rebaptism does not take place. The first reception takes place through baptism .

Evangelical Free Churches / Baptists

A re-entry into an Evangelical Free Church congregation can only take place in direct contact with a local congregation of this Free Church . However, it is not so much about a re-entry, rather a re-entry. As a rule, the resumption takes place in the following way: The person willing to enter seeks a personal conversation with the local pastor or one of the community elders . Among other things, questions are asked about the reasons for the earlier exit and the current view of these reasons. Personal belief in Jesus Christ is a crucial requirement for re-entry . In connection with a re-admission, the former local community of the applicant is often asked for a statement.

If the community leadership approves of the resumption, the person willing to join is asked to express his wish in front of the assembled community members. The community assembly then votes on this request.

See also

swell

  1. ↑ Wellert, Practical Theology: Journal of practice in the Church, society and culture, 2008, p 176, 178f.
  2. ↑ § 7 Paragraph 2 2nd indent of the Church Membership Act of the EKD
  3. ↑ a b Becoming Catholic
  4. ↑ ENTER - Catholic Church in Austria. Austrian Bishops' Conference, December 31, 2016, accessed on February 26, 2017 .
  5. ↑ ENTER - Questions and Answers (FAQ). Austrian Bishops' Conference, December 31, 2016, accessed on February 26, 2017 .
  6. ^ Church entry - Churches of Switzerland. Catholic and Evangelical Church (s) in Switzerland, December 31, 2016, accessed on February 26, 2017 .

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