An end to state payments to churches is overdue

The HU also points out that there are major differences between the federal states in terms of state contributions: Bremen and Hamburg – where there were no state benefits even before 1919 – pay nothing, while Saxony-Anhalt, for example, with a majority non-denominational population, gives the churches over 12 euros per inhabitant every year. These payments have nothing to do with the benefits that the churches receive for services rendered in the social sector, etc. The HU has submitted a draft law on the principles for replacing state payments to the churches. It is to be hoped that this redemption, which was already provided for in the Weimar Constitution of 1919, will finally be implemented – a further step towards the fundamental separation of state and churches.