God has left the building – New life for deconsecrated churches | DW Documentary
The final service is over, and the doors close behind the faithful. More and more Catholic and Protestant churches are being abandoned in Germany.
Church buildings are being closed, demolished, or converted for secular use. It’s a reflection of developments within the churches, one that predates the abuse scandals. There is a shortage of young priests. More people are leaving the church, and those who remain members on paper are attending services less frequently. Consequently, real estate agents are adding former churches to their listings, calling them “special properties.” Who will the lucky buyers be? Some of the buildings are converted into apartments, others into cultural venues. Other proposed uses include studios, pubs, and even bicycle shops. But these walls are steeped in history and community. What becomes of the church when God moves out?
00:00 Intro
00:59 Real estate agent advertises church for sale
01:17 A Spanish architect has a plan
02:07 175,000 Euro – a bargain or a problem?
03:09 Final mass in St. Anna
04:33 Church statistics: rapidly declining membership
05:09 Repurposing ideas: library, concert hall
05:26 Students of architecture plan the future
08:32 From house of God to a bicycle shop
10:07 Essen: apartments and doctor’s office in old church
11:50 Back to the property-showing
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Video “God has left the building – New life for deconsecrated churches | DW Documentary” was uploaded on 12/27/2025 by DW Documentary Youtube channel.