The New Apostolic Church emerged from a 19th-century schism centered on the apostles' ministry.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Born from a 1863 split with the Catholic Apostolic Church, the New Apostolic Church believes its leaders are the direct successors of the twelve apostles. This Christian denomination, which prioritizes the Second Coming of Christ, has navigated complex historical challenges, including internal doctrinal crises and the pressures of the Nazi era.

The New Apostolic Church traces its roots to the 1863 Hamburg Schism, when a congregation broke away from the Catholic Apostolic Church. The latter had originated in the 1830s as a renewal movement within the Anglican Church and the Church of Scotland. The split occurred after the English apostles of the Catholic Apostolic Church refused to recognize new apostles called by the German prophet Heinrich Geyer. The Hamburg congregation, led by Friedrich Wilhelm Schwartz, asserted the necessity of continuing the apostolic ministry to prepare for the return of Christ, a core doctrine that remains central to the church today.

The church's structure evolved significantly over the following decades. By the late 1890s, the office of Chief Apostle was established to provide centralized leadership, a move that departed from the earlier reliance on prophetic callings. Under Chief Apostle Johann Gottfried Bischoff, the church experienced substantial growth in the early 20th century. However, this period also saw the church grapple with the Nazi regime. While the administration attempted to maintain a non-political stance to ensure the continuation of its religious mission, it faced severe restrictions, including the suppression of youth work and the prohibition of church publications.

A major turning point occurred in 1951 when Chief Apostle Bischoff announced his 'Botschaft' (message), claiming he would not die before the Second Coming of Christ. This became official dogma, and those who questioned it were excommunicated, leading to significant schisms. Following Bischoff's death in 1960 without the prophecy being fulfilled, the church eventually moved away from this teaching. In 2013, Chief Apostle Wilhelm Leber formally apologized for the suffering caused by the message, acknowledging that the church no longer viewed it as a divine revelation. Today, the church maintains a Trinitarian faith, emphasizing the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion.

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