Wismar says goodbye to Provost Marcus Antonioli – a new beginning is imminent!

Wismar says goodbye to Provost Marcus Antonioli – a new beginning is imminent!

In a warm farewell at the end of his term of office, Marcus Antonioli, the provost of the Wismar provost, was honored on June 29, 2025 in the St. Nikolaikirche. After almost eight years, he is leaving his office early to take up a new position as head of the department for the service of pastors in the regional church office of the North Church in Kiel. In his address, Bishop Tilman Jeremias praised Antonioli's commitment and his positive charisma, which characterized his inauguration in 2017. In his reflection, Antonioli said it was an honor to serve and bring new impetus to community work during this period. The farewell took place as part of a festive service that attracted many members of the community and companions. Aren't these beautiful moments that bring us together?

Antonioli was elected provost in 2017 and achieved a lot during his time in office. He has always participated in working groups to keep the church alive and promote community work. Particularly noteworthy are his positive memories of working with his team and the many volunteers who are essential to church life. “Supporting volunteers is an essential part of our community,” he noted. Under his leadership, 70 parishes were reduced to 47 and the city-wide concept for church music and community education was developed. Don't you often get the feeling that solidarity counts more than anything else?

The change in the Mecklenburg church district

The Mecklenburg parish, in which the Wismar provost is one of four, has recently undergone some changes. Antonioli reported on the need to intensify the integration of the parishes in order to do justice to dwindling resources. A new municipal staffing plan, which is due to come into force at the beginning of 2026, envisages a reduction in staff positions by around 20 percent. Against this background, it is also exciting to observe that, according to an online survey, many parishes are prepared to hand over responsibility for certain areas of the church. The synod has already passed a corresponding proposal to transfer these responsibilities. Isn't this a brave step into the future?

The election of the new provost in Wismar will take place on July 5, 2025. There are two candidates to choose from: Pastor Anne Hala and Pastor Jonas Görlich. The person who receives the majority of votes will succeed Antonioli. Around 38,713 parishioners live in the provost's office in 51 parishes, which are spread over four church regions in the northwest of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It remains to be seen how the new developments will affect community work.

The Protestant Church in Germany, represented by the EKD, includes almost 24 million people in around 16,000 communities and provides support, advice and charity. It is organized democratically and allows members to have direct influence. What is particularly important is the connection between the various regional churches, which together form a strong community. It's a great feeling to be part of this diversity and this living tradition, isn't it?

During his time as provost, Marcus Antonioli has shown that it is important to make the church accessible and welcoming to everyone. His work will be remembered for a long time and shows us how important it is to stick together even in difficult times. We hope that the next era of the Wismar provost's office will be just as promising.