Even in a secular society, that is already in the second and third generation, there is a growing feeling that church buildings could be more than just historical monuments. Now hope is stirring, that churches could form the new central point of community life - equally for the ecclesiastical and the civil community. Therefore, many people are prepared to tackle the problems and to make many things possible using self-help measures that appear hopeless by normal bureaucratic procedures. The Church Buildings Conference unanimously approved a manifesto, in which the German parliament, the government, the church authorities and wealthy private citizens are called upon to save the church buildings in this country before their final decline into ruin. More people than previously want to use them to find a new identity and for spiritual motivation.
Church buildings are public places in an open society.
They are part of the image of towns and villages. They are the focal point of life, they are places for meetings and memories, places of prayer, tranquillity and contemplation. They are used by Christians and non-Christians. All sections of the community are responsible for their maintenance.