Nordkirche Approves Two-Year Budget, Reports Emission Reductions

The synod of the Evangelical Church in Northern Germany (Nordkirche) convened in Lübeck-Travemünde and approved the church's two-year budget for 2026-2027. The budget forecasts revenues of 596 million euros, with approximately 340 million euros allocated to church districts and around 78 million euros to the central church each year.

The church leadership also presented a climate report indicating a roughly 30 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its building sector in 2024 compared to previous years, totaling 45,690 tons. Landesbischöfin Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt stated this is significant progress, highlighting efforts to reduce heating consumption by 28 percent and source 70 percent of electricity from renewable sources. The Nordkirche aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2035 and achieve climate neutrality by 2040.

The budget also covers a future medium-term financial plan, including a concept for the use of church properties, personnel planning, and structural reforms. The synod also held a workshop on countering right-wing slogans and prepared for discussions on the church's structural and financial restructuring to address declining membership and income.

The synod continues until Saturday, with an agenda that includes a report from the Schleswig and Holstein diocese and the approval of several church laws. The Nordkirche is also focusing on e-mobility and increasing renewable energy usage in its transportation to meet its climate goals.