Church: New bishop takes oath – Installation on Sunday

Heiner Wilmer, the newly appointed Bishop of Münster, has taken an oath of allegiance in Düsseldorf, affirming his commitment to the free democratic basic order. The ceremony, attended by North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst and representatives from the Lower Saxony state government, saw Wilmer pledge to respect the government and work with his diocesan staff to avert harm to the common good. This act is stipulated by the state church treaty.

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We live in times of great challenges and profound change. Many people seek support and orientation in these times.

Wilmer, who has led the German Bishops' Conference since the beginning of the year, is scheduled for his official installation at St. Paul's Cathedral in Münster on Sunday. The celebratory service will include the presentation of his papal appointment letter and will be attended by numerous guests, including cardinals and bishops. He previously served as the Bishop of Hildesheim from 2018 to 2025.

Minister-President Wüst highlighted the current times of "great challenges and profound change," noting that many people seek "support and orientation." He described Wilmer as a bishop who is close to the people, builds bridges, and seeks dialogue. Wüst emphasized that the oath signifies mutual appreciation and the shared commitment of church and state to "prosperous cooperation."

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With Wilmer, the Diocese of Münster receives a bishop who is close to the people, builds bridges, and seeks dialogue.

"The state and church have different foundations, but common goals," Wilmer stated. "Both are committed to the people entrusted to them. I look forward to making my contribution to this in the future as Bishop of Münster." The 65-year-old Wilmer, born in Schapen in the Emsland region, grew up on a farm and joined the Catholic order of the Priests of the Sacred Heart. He studied theology and French philology before his ordination in 1987.

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The state and church have different foundations, but common goals. Both are committed to the people entrusted to them. I look forward to making my contribution to this in the future as Bishop of Münster.