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

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

In a warm farewell to the end of his term, Marcus Antonioli, the provost of the Provstei Wismar, was honored on June 29, 2025 in the St. Nikolaikirche. After almost eight years, he left his office prematurely to start a new position as a departmental for the service of the pastors in the regional church office of the Nordkirche in Kiel. Bishop Tilman Jeremiah praised Antonioli's commitment and his positive charisma, which had shaped his take office in 2017. In his review, Antonioli said that he was an honor to serve during this period and to give new impulses for community work. The farewell took place as part of a festive service that attracted many members of the community and companions. Are not nice moments that bring us together?

Antonioli was voted Provost in 2017 and moved a lot during his tenure. He has always participated in working groups to keep the church alive and to promote community work. His positive memories of the cooperation with his team and the many volunteers who are indispensable for church life are particularly noteworthy. "The support of volunteers is an indispensable part of our community," he said. Under his leadership, 70 parishes were reduced to 47 and the cross -city concept for church music and community education were developed. Doesn't you often have the feeling that the cohesion counts more than anything?

The change in the church district of Mecklenburg

The Mecklenburg church district, in which the Propstei Wismar is one of a total of four, has recently experienced some changes. Antonioli reported the need to intensify the integration of the parishes in order to meet the dwindling resources. A new community plan, which is due to enter into force in early 2026, provides for a reduction in personnel positions by around 20 percent. Against this background, it is also exciting to observe that, according to an online survey, many parishes are willing to give responsibility for certain church areas. The synod has already decided to transfer these responsibilities. Isn't that a brave step into the future?

The choice 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 one who receives the majority of the votes will succeed Antoniolis. Around 38,713 parishioners live in 51 parishes in the Propstei, which are distributed 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 Evangelical Church in Germany, represented by the EKD, comprises almost 24 million people in around 16,000 municipalities and gives support, advice and charity. It is democratically organized and enables the direct influence of the members. The connection of the various regional churches, which together form a strong community, is particularly important. It is a great feeling to be part of this diversity and this living tradition, right?

Marcus Antonioli showed in his time as a provost that it is about making the church accessible and inviting for all people. 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 Propstei will be just as promising.