How the membership numbers of the churches have developed - How the membership numbers of the churches have developed
Church membership in Hesse has fallen again in 2024. Both Catholic and Protestant denominations reported fewer followers compared to the previous year. The trend reflects a continuing decline across major Christian groups in the region.
The Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau (EKHN) saw its numbers drop by around 50,000 in a single year. By the end of 2024, it had 1,269,605 members. This follows a broader pattern of shrinking congregations.
The Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck also lost members. Its total fell by 3.2 percent, leaving roughly 687,526 followers by December 2024. The decline mirrors that of other Protestant bodies in the state.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Hesse experienced a similar reduction. Its membership slipped from 1.2 million in 2023 to about 1.16 million in 2024. No updated figures for 2025 are currently available.
With a total population of around 6.4 million, Hesseās religious landscape continues to shift. Both major Christian denominations have seen steady decreases over recent years.
The latest figures confirm a clear downward trend for churches in Hesse. Protestant and Catholic groups alike have fewer members than before. Updated data for 2025 may provide further insight into whether this pattern persists.
