RELIGION IN DÜSSELDORF
Along with its geographical situation, cultural heritage and past, the city of Düsseldorf is characterised by Christian beliefs while celebrating an openness to other religions.
Churches in Düsseldorf reflect both the past and present. As in most Rhenish cities the Catholic community forms the largest religious group in the city. More than one third of people belong to the Roman Catholic Church. In the 16th century the city became a centre of the Protestant Reformation in Western Germany so adherents to the Lutheran-Evangelic Church are almost equally represented.
English language services are available to expats who live in and around Düsseldorf, occurring in the two local English church congregations.
The third most notable religion is Islam. Large immigration waves of labourers from Muslim countries, notably Turkey, Morocco and Iran, came to work in the region’s booming industries in the 1960s and 1970s. Arriving as so-called guest workers, Gastarbeiter, with the intention to work in Germany for several years only a very small number actually returned to their home country. To the surprise of German society.
The local Jewish community is the third largest in Germany after Berlin and Munich. It nowadays counts many thousands of members. A wide-cross section of activities are supported and the community takes an influential part in public life.
Less remarkable in size but also represented are Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and a Buddhist community.
INTERNATIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH
IBCD is an international English-speaking congregation with people from over thirty different nations and twenty Christian denominations. They join one another to worship and serve God together, as well as to love and build up one another in the faith.
Expats are very welcome to join the many activities for anyone looking to become involved in a Christian Church. The International Baptist Church of Düsseldorf is a member of the Bund Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in Deutschland and associated with the International Baptist Convention.
CHRIST CHURCH COMMUNITY
Evangelical Christ Church holds English language communion in Düsseldorf. The church is a member of the Anglican Diocese of Europe providing a spiritual home, church services and religious support for international English-speakers in the Düsseldorf and greater region. Its members are varied in background, age, and denominational heritage.
Annual Christmastime activities offer the community especially magical experiences. Carols by Candlelight, Midnight Communion and Nativity services are all highly popular.
Staying in touch and getting together with others living in a similar situation can be important. Expat groups in social media are highly valuable sources for connecting. Socialising in Düsseldorf can include events, international clubs or heading for a popular spot to meet international residents.
