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Baden-Württemberg is one of 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany, with a population of 10,755,000 in 2007.  It was formed from three areas of the French and American occupation zones after World War II: Württemberg-Hohenzollern and South Baden (both occupied by France), and Württemberg-Baden (American-occupied). After a short period of recovery from the war 's devastation, the state has become, with its modern industry, one of Germany 's most prosperous states.

Baden-Württemberg Federal State

The 12 Mennonite congregations of Baden-Württemberg belong to the Verband deutscher Mennonitengemeinden. They are the following: Backnang, Freiburg (until 1965 Schopfheim), Hasselbach, Heidelberg, Heilbronn (the Nesselbach congregation joined Heilbronn in 1975), Karlsruhe-Thomashof (formerly Durlach), Möckmühl (Adelsheim joined Möckmühl in 1980), Reutlingen , Sinsheim, Stuttgart, Überlingen and Wössingen-Bretten. Baptized membership in Baden-Württemberg congregations was 1,012 in 1986. This constitutes two-thirds of the entire membership of the Verband.

Preaching is done by 28 lay preachers and 2 salaried preachers. In the past 30 years, congregational life has become more active, and activities have become more varied. Numerous meetings in groups and circles are held. Women's involvement is increasing. Young people determine for themselves when they are baptized. The small congregation of Hasselbach, together with the Evangelische Landeskirche (Protestant State Church), annually organizes a children's camp, which is well attended. The old congregational meetingplace of Hasselbach has been expanded. The neighborhood center, presented to the Heilbronn congregation by American Mennonites in 1948, has been replaced by a newly constructed building in Kochendorf. The church in Möckmühl intends to build its own meetingplace.

Although there is a tendency to give up farming due to changes in economic conditions, in 1986 there were still 42 Mennonite farms in Baden-Württemberg.

See also Baden (Germany)

Bibliography

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 5, p. 49. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

©1996-2008 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.

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