Die Kirche im Dorf lassen - Expanded Use of a Rural Church

Faith and religion no longer play a dominant role in Western society, as seen in declining church membership, a shortage of priests, and sparsely attended services. This inevitably suggests that an oversupply of church buildings will soon emerge. Radical solutions are easy to propose, but church buildings are not ordinary real estate that can simply be sold for economic reasons. They shape our towns, serve as landmarks in the urban landscape, symbolize the centre in small villages, are built manifestations of faith, structures of exceptional artistic and architectural quality, historical witnesses of centuries, and social hubs for customs and rituals. In short, they are representatives of Europe's entire cultural landscape. What should happen to church buildings when their original purpose is no longer needed? The present work, Die Kirche im Dorf lassen: Expanded Use of a Rural Church addresses this timely topic.