Leaving the church in Germany

In Germany, depending on the federal state, withdrawal must be declared either before the district court (in Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia) or before the registry office (other federal states).

Resignation by letter is only possible with notarization. In Bremen, the withdrawal can alternatively be declared to church authorities. You must bring a photo ID. For married people, a marriage certificate or family register is sometimes required.