In the free imperial and Hanseatic city of Dortmund, during the period between the 13th century and the end of the Middle Ages a new, innovative concept of a consolidated, rich middle class was developed. As part of the effort to develop autonomy as an imperial free city, and a pursuit of communal self-government, areas of public life were seized that had been up to now reserved for the clergy only. In particular, the two great parish churches of the city, St. Reinoldi and St. Marien, and the Collegiate Church (Propsteikirche) demonstrate this newfound self-confidence of the Dortmund bourgeoisie.

Starting from the 13 Century, the city council began with increasing frequency to exercise its right of patronage of the Reinoldi church, the main parish church of Dortmund, in using it essentially as their church. Thus, for example, the mayor had the key to the reliquary of the city saint; they made unquestioned decisions regarding construction, and had these carried out; they had a seat in the northern choir pews, and thus, representing the city, held the right of patronage; and it was here that they gathered for their council church services, in particular following the annual council elections on the feast day of St Peter's Chair (22nd February). Beyond that, the church also served as the location for major town events, notably during the visit by Emperor Karl IV in November 1377. It is in particular the Reinoldi choir - despite considerable loss of features - that, as a stage for civic representation, tells much about the city's self-image.

During Dortmund's time as a free city, the Marien church was frequently designated as the church of the city council's court: it was here that the council of this imperial city, which simultaneously served as the municipal court, gathered for their court church services before its court sessions in the adjacent Richthaus; here hung the court bell, which announced the beginning of the court sessions and the preceding service. Bringing up the rear in processions, they also played a central role in the medieval public life.

The magnificent decor of both churches of altars, sculptures, and pews was an expression of the self-conscious representation of their middle-class patrons and their social, economical, and political position. It also tells of networks of connections with the bourgeoisie elite of European towns and cities, of the travels of Dortmund merchants, and an extensive trade in luxury goods.

Lastly, the foundation of a Dominican monastery demonstrates an ambivalent relationship between ecclesiastical and secular interests. The settlement there of Dominicans in the 13th century was initially strongly opposed under the changed political conditions that the town, a scene of imperial politics, self-confidently claimed now obtained, but was eventually tolerated. Since then, the Dominicans have been a far from negligible part of the city's life – these preacher monks (fratres praedicatores) have regarded themselves as part of the town, and the city has seen the monks as a welcome enrichment of public life.