Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde

Nestled along the Westfalendamm, the Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde has a unique story. It’s a story of a faith that once flourished, a testament to a bygone era of religious fervor. The Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde’s history traces back to 19th-century England, a time of religious awakenings. In the 1830s, twelve apostles were called to prepare for the second coming of Christ. These apostles, believing in an imminent end of times, crafted a special liturgy, drawing inspiration from Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. They established “model churches,” including the Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde, to showcase the richness of Christian rites. These churches were meticulously organized, with a strict hierarchy mirroring the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors described in the Bible. Each apostle oversaw a specific region or “tribe.” For the Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde, this meant being part of the “tribe” of Simeon, which encompassed Northern Germany. At its peak in the early 20th century, the Catholic Apostolic movement boasted around 200,000 members globally, with approximately 70,000 residing in Germany alone. Germany housed a significant number of Catholic Apostolic congregations, numbering 348. The Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde here in Dortmund, though a smaller piece of this larger movement, still played its part. The last apostle passed away in 1901. This marked a turning point for the Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde and similar churches. With no apostles left to ordain new priests, their activities dwindled. Today, lay members conduct services in the remaining congregations. The full Eucharistic service, once central to their worship, can no longer be performed. Yet, the Katholisch-Apostolische Gemeinde persists, its members, often descendants of earlier congregants, keeping the flame of their unique faith alive.