- Opposing Viewpoint: Proposed Church Fee Elimination is "Absurd"
The alliance of traffic signal governance in Thuringia proposing an end to state funding for churches provokes intense backlash from the Left. Grosse-Roethig, state co-leader, asserts that religious communities play a crucial role in social harmony and are valuable partners. She deems it senseless to bring up such a divisive issue at this time instead of promoting unity. Majority consensus exists among the states on this matter. In Thuringia, the Left form a minority coalition with the SPD and Greens.
Grosse-Roethig continues by asserting that now's not the time to debate the elimination of such funding or make hasty decisions. The traffic light coalition has several pressing matters to handle, such as child security provisions and digital collaboration with schools.
Previously, the Bavarian state government had severely criticized these plans. Lower Saxony's Minister President, Stefan Weil (SPD), also underlined in the "New Osnabruck Zeitung" that the states are unanimous in their opposition to the plans.
Thuringia pays around 30 million euros annually
Germany's churches receive state funding for the 19th-century expropriation of German churches and monasteries during secularization. With the exception of Hamburg and Bremen, all federal states contribute annually to the Catholic and Protestant churches. Last year, the total sum nationwide was approximately 550 million euros. According to the budget, Thuringia pays 22.5 million euros to the Protestant church and 6.9 million euros to the Catholic church this year.
Only around a quarter of Thurighia's population is affiliated with a church
Given that the funds originate from tax revenue, and consequently, all taxpayers contribute, even those outside religious communities, are obligated to pay. In Thuringia, according to the 2022 census, only about 26% of residents are affiliated with the Protestant or Catholic church. In 2011, the share was still 31%. In Thuringia, the Christian population is significantly lower than the national average due to historical reasons.
Nationwide, over 300,000 individuals leave the churches every year. The traffic light government now intends to redistribute church funds and thereby separate church and state. They plan to table a bill for this in the fall. The aim is to structure it in such a way that the Bundesrat's approval isn't required. However, the states would likely bear the redemption sum, and resistance is strong against this.
Grosse-Roethig acknowledges Stefan Weil's support in the opposition to the proposal to end state funding for churches. Despite the lower church affiliation rate in Thuringia, the funds for churches are derived from tax revenue, making all taxpayers, including non-believers, contribute.
