Five church congregations are joining forces in the City-South neighborhood area
A new, large church community is being formed in Darmstadt: The Andreas, Matthäus, Paulus, Petrus, and City Church congregations will merge on January 1, 2027, to form the "Evangelical Hope Community Darmstadt." The corresponding agreement has now been signed by the chairpersons of the church councils.
A multi-year process leads to the merger
The merger was preceded by a roughly three-and-a-half-year voting process. Numerous meetings, joint sessions of the church councils, and congregational assemblies prepared the ground for the decision. This spring, all five church councils approved the merger.
With the merger, the new community of hope will become the legal successor of the previous communities.
Community life should remain diverse
According to the agreement, church life will be maintained at the current locations. This includes, among other things, church services, programs for children, young people and families, work with the elderly, as well as cultural and church music projects. Social issues such as inclusion and refugee support will also remain part of the parish's work.
Even today, the communities work closely together in many areas, such as confirmation classes, youth work, or joint church services.
Common structures already established
A shared parish office has been in place for several years. The preaching team has also been working together across locations for some time. These existing structures are to be further strengthened through the merger.
Transition phase until the new election
From January 1, 2027, a joint church council comprised of the current members will initially take over the work. New elections are scheduled for June 6, 2027. Afterwards, the council of the newly formed Hope Parish will be reorganized with at least 20 members.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image: Contract signing in front of Bessungen Church, with the chairpersons of the church council and other church council members. Photo: Evangelical Deanery of Darmstadt
