Financial crisis.

Aachen -- The German news agency Deutsche Welle reported on September 30, 2004, that several German dioceses are facing a financial crisis of unprecedented proportions. The archdiocese of Berlin, as well as dioceses in Hamburg and Trier, have announced drastic cuts.

Aachen, one of Germany's biggest dioceses, is now on the list of those struggling to make ends meet. Economic changes for Catholics there are coming faster and more thoroughly than ever before. Bishop Heinrich Mussinghoff says that a lot of the diocesan programs and services will have to go. Aachen Cathedral, one of the oldest in Germany and a major tourist attraction, will have its opening hours shortened. All of Germany's dioceses, the bishop said, are feeling the pinch. Not only are more people dropping out of the Church, but increased unemployment means that parishes are collecting less of the nationwide church tax, their main source of income.