The Catholic Church in Austria has seen a continued decline in membership, with the latest figures showing 85,163 people left the church in 2023, according to recently released data by the Church.
This comes after 90,975 official exits in 2022, continuing a trend that has gained momentum in recent years.
One of the primary reasons for this is the mandatory church tax. Known as the “Kirchenbeitrag,” this financial contribution is required from all registered Catholics and amounts to roughly 1.1 percent of a person’s taxable income.
For many Austrians, this has become an unsustainable expense, especially given rising living costs due to inflation and the economic strain of the pandemic.
READ ALSO: What is Austria’s church tax, and how do I avoid paying it?
The church explained the departure by saying that “many people are likely to have distanced themselves from the church due to the pandemic in recent years. According to information from the dioceses, this trend was exacerbated last year by the tense overall economic situation.”
The church tax, which provides over 75 percent of the church’s income, is used to fund parish activities, social services, and the upkeep of church facilities. However, those who wish to avoid paying it must officially deregister from the church, a step thousands of people are increasingly taking.
Economic struggles and the pandemic’s influence
The financial burden of the church tax has become a key factor driving people away from the Catholic Church in Austria, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The economic downturn caused by the pandemic and soaring inflation has left many struggling to make ends meet. As a result, paying the church tax has become less of a priority for those tightening their budgets.
In 2023, Austria’s inflation rate reached record highs, making basic living costs such as housing, energy, and food more expensive. For many, the additional obligation to pay the church tax was simply too much.
A decline in religious engagement
The church tax isn’t the only reason for the drop in membership. The pandemic also led to a shift in people’s relationship with religion. During lockdowns, when church services were limited or held online, many Catholics began to disengage from the institution – instead practising at home.
This disconnect has persisted, leading to a steady decline in church attendance and religious participation.
READ ALSO: What can I deduct from my tax bill in Austria?
The number of people in Austria who attend church services on Sundays via radio, television and the Internet is very high, according to an ORF report. Surveys by ORF and ServusTV showed that there were regularly around 800,000 to over 1 million worshippers in 2023.
Despite the overall drop in church membership, accessions and adult baptisms have remained relatively stable in Austria. In 2023, 4,575 people were either readmitted or newly admitted to the Catholic Church, a slight decrease from 2022’s figure of 4,771. Similarly, the number of adult baptisms (aged 14 and over) saw only a minor dip, with 208 baptisms in 2023 compared to 226 in 2022.
However, other sacraments, such as infant baptisms and weddings, have significantly declined. The number of baptisms fell to 39,488 in 2023, down from 45,706 the previous year. This decrease mirrors a broader demographic trend, with fewer births reported across Austria. Weddings also saw a steep drop, with only 8,228 Catholic couples tying the knot in 2023, compared to 9,503 in 2022.
First communions and confirmations have similarly declined over recent years. In 2023, 45,132 children received their first communion, a slight drop from 2022’s figure of 46,728. Confirmations also decreased, with 38,122 in 2023, compared to 41,204 the year prior.
READ ALSO: Is it easier to get Austrian citizenship if you are married to an Austrian?
Despite these declines, church service attendance has remained relatively stable. On two key counting Sundays in 2023, the Catholic Church recorded 321,821 and 347,891 worshippers. These numbers are only slightly lower than those recorded in 2022, showing that regular church attendance, while lower than pre-pandemic levels, has not dramatically decreased.
Despite these changes, the church continues to receive significant income through the tax, collecting €511.03 million in 2023, slightly more than in 2022.
Useful vocabulary
Kirchenbeitrag – church contribution
Volljährig – of age
Wohnsitz – place of residence
Einkünfte – income
And the seven sacraments:
Taufe – baptism
Eucharistie – eucharist
Firmung – confirmation
Ehe – marriage
Buße – reconciliation
Weihe – holy orders
Krankensalbung – anointing of the sick
Member comments