Religion 1200 up to 1250

The dioceses of Ratzeburg, Schwerin and Cammin shared responsibility for the church. Many convents were founded in new towns. Lay brothers (conversi) in granges revived the ideal of monks’ handiwork. Mendicant orders found a home next to hospitals. The Franciscans received a lot of devotion, often in contrast to the parish churches.

With the development of the parishes at the start of the 13th century all residents of the state were involved in the organisation of the church municipality.

Alongside the vicar and patron as representatives of the regime, church wardens also had responsibility and the opportunity to cooperate in the parish.

The diocese of Roskilde, Schwerin and Cammin share ecclesiastic responsibilities until the 17th century. Monasteries are set up in the nascent cities. Lay priests (conversi) live on farms, pursuing the ideal of the working monk. Mendicant Orders open homes next to hospitals. Unlike many parish churches, the Franciscans are well-respected. Cistercians settle in rural communities.

All of the region's inhabitants are drawn into the ecclesiastic organisation with the expansion of the parishes in the early 13th century.

Besides patrons and priests as representatives of the ruling classes, Church elders are also assigned responsibilities and authorities in the congregation.
Fonts made of Gotland limestone confirm that the whole body was immersed during baptism.