Kirchenstruktur und der »Kampf um Anerkennung«: Eine Deutung des Verhältnisses von parochialen und nichtparochialen Gemeindeformen

Birger Falcke

doi:10.5771/9783374081691

Summary

[Church structure and the »struggle for recognition«. An interpretation of the relationship between parochial and non-parochial forms of church based on recognition theory] The Protestant churches in Germany are grappling with a variety of conflicts. Their leading committees are challenged to deal with these issues, particularly in light of dwindling resources and declining social and individual relevance of the Christian faith. A central point of conflict is the relationship between parochial and non-parochial congregations. But how do we understand this conflict? Until now, it has mostly been interpreted as a conflict of interests. Following on from the social philosopher Axel Honneth, Birger Falcke offers a new interpretation, that of a »struggle for recognition«. This opens up new options for dealing with the conflict. As a result, the importance of ecclesiastical law and a profound change in protestant church structures in Germany come into focus.