Converting from Catholic to Protestant - here's how to do it

A seamless transition from Catholic to Protestant denomination is usually not possible, which is why you must first leave the Catholic Church before adopting a new denomination. After that, joining the Protestant Church is no longer a problem and is formally straightforward.

How to proceed if you want to convert from Catholic to Protestant

Conversion from Catholic to Protestant is easier and less bureaucratic than many think.

1. To leave the Catholic denomination, you must visit your municipal registry office and apply for an official resignation. For this, you will need your ID and, if applicable, marriage certificate.
2. To leave, you will need to fill out a form and, in some cases, pay a processing fee.
3. Now you can accept the Protestant denomination. All necessary entry forms can be found in the local entry points of the Protestant Church in Germany.
4. The Protestant church leader of your congregation also has an open ear for these concerns and will advise you further in this regard.

Was tun, wenn Sie sich nicht sicher sind?

Sowohl die evangelische Kirche als auch die katholische Kirche haben ein breitgefächertes Beratungsangebot, das Ihnen die Details der jeweiligen Konfession erläutert und auch beim Wechsel behilflich ist. Mit fundierten Informationen fällt die Entscheidung zu den Konvertierungen meist wesentlich leichter.