Diocese of Trier: Fight with financial problems - new solutions in sight!

Diocese of Trier: Fight with financial problems - new solutions in sight!

The Catholic diocese of Trier faces financial challenges and plans extensive measures to stabilize its income. The current annual report shows a shortfall of four million euros for 2024. In order to improve the situation, the source of income is to be significantly increased by renting and leasing. These include the rental of roof areas for photovoltaic systems and the leasing of church -owned open spaces for wind turbines. In addition, the diocese plans the sale of unused buildings.

Another step includes the introduction of financial contributions from parents at Catholic schools. Talks with the parents' representatives are planned in the coming week. This financial participation could be implemented at the earliest from the 2026/27 school year. One goal of the measures is that the contributions flow directly to schools to reduce government subsidies. Vicar of General Ulrich von Plettenberg emphasizes that the diocese is working on a balanced budget for 2025, while no such household is expected for the following year.

church tax revenue and cost reductions

A central problem is the decline in church tax revenue. For 2025, the diocese expects around 303 million euros in church tax. Nevertheless, the cost situation does not adequately adapt, as Vicar of General Andreas Trogsch notes. The diocese also strives for higher public refinancing for school and kindergarten places.

One of the most common questions about the finances of the church concerns the measurement grants. These controversial amounts of currently five euros enable priests to include special concerns in a measurement ceremony. Historical practice extends to the 2nd/3. Century back, as believing material gifts to support the clergy and the needy. This tradition has been kept to this day, although priests are only allowed to use a scholarship in a trade fair every day. Additional scholarships must be supplied by the bishop.

Tax options and applications

The diocese of Trier also offers individual decisions on church tax that go beyond those of the tax offices. If you want to reduce church tax, you can apply for this if it is more than four percent of the taxable income. This capping process has been one of the options for taxpayers since the 2016 tax year. With lower income less than 50,000 euros, church tax is below 2.3 percent, which makes a discount hardly necessary.

The Episcopal Vicariate of General in Trier is responsible for capping the diocesan church tax. Applications can be submitted there, whereby a valid tax notice of the relevant year must be added. The financial challenges of the diocese and the associated measures to increase the income and reduce costs show the need for a sustainable financial strategy for the future.

sr.de reports that the diocese plans to increase income from different sources, while Explain the information on Bistum-trier.de how Mess-scholarships traditionally work. Additional details on the tax situation offer Further information on bistum-trier.de regarding the cap of church tax and the application processes.