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No tax, no sacraments, decrees German Catholic Church
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Germany’s Roman Catholics who refuse to pay a church tax will be barred from receiving the sacraments or becoming a godparent, under controversial new restrictions entering into force on Monday.
In a move decried by a progressive Catholic group, the German bishops’ conference last week issued a decree, saying it was “worried” about the Catholic Church’s dwindling numbers and wanted to stem the decline.
Confession, Holy Communion, confirmation in the Church or anointing of the sick — unless the patient’s life is in danger — are now out of bounds for anyone who leaves the Church, the decree which took effect Monday stated.
Becoming a godparent is also off-limits, it said.
Germany has had a system in place since the 19th century of asking residents to either officially declare their religion and pay a church tax, or to be classed as “non-religious”.
A change in status from being a member of a religion requires a formal procedure to “leave the Church”, as an increasing number of Germans have done, mostly from the Catholic Church but also from the Protestant faith.
The levy amounts to between eight and 10 percent of income tax, depending on where the person lives. [more]
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15 Comments
“It’s not about the money,” if I’m reading this correctly. It is the Catholic’s decision to allow themselves to be classed as “non-religious” which the bishops are reacting to, here, essentially, not the non-payment of the tax, which simply accompanies the Catholic’s decision.
I would not be too concerned considering our RC Church does not have a monopoly on salvation. However, this grab-for-cash by the bishops does not bode well for them.
The German bishops are thinking and acting as CEOs, not as pastors of souls. And Martin Luther is saying “I told you so!”
How do we defend the Church when this action certainly appears indefensible?
This was a century old agreement which included Protestants and Jews as well as Catholics. The money goes to pay the wages of their employees and to suport social programs. It is 8 to 10 percent of Income Tax. I do not think that they tithe as donations are less than in the U.S.A. according to CathNews U.S.A.
I believe one has a right to the services and sacraments of the Church and can file a legal action at Canon Law to enforce that right. Sue the bastards
I don’t believe it! Aside from the moral obscenity, how are they going to enforce it? In the communion line will the priests and ministers have a list? “What is your name? ‘Hans Schwartz’ ‘You are not on the list Hans. No body of Christ for you. Next” Oh confession will be interesting “Bless me Father for I have sinned. .’ ‘Wait, Name please? ‘Frieda Keller’ ‘We have two Frieda Kellers on the list. What is your tax ID number?” I suppose modern technology will help. An acolyte could have and I Pad next to Father and “run” everyone in the communion line. Oh yeah, on Ash Wednesday the mark on your forehead will also serve as a “tax stamp.” Seriously, the Holy Father needs to show some leadership and tell the German bishops ‘Knock it off! Direct order!” Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ in Germany!
Maybe they will just permanently “tatoo” every German citizen who pays the religion tax with a number — you know, like they did to the Jews in the 1930s??
Or, better yet, surgically implant a chip under the religion tax payers’ forearms. The priest could easily scan it. Wait a second, isn’t that the sign of the Beast described in the Book of Revelation?
From the article, it appears that the tax goes to the German government – is religion nationalized in Germany, so that the Church gets that money? It isn’t clear from the article.
So are they expected to do this “tax” instead of the tithe? Or is this tax in addition to the tithe?
This is one of the most disgusting things that the Church could ever decide to do. It is another black eye for the Catholic Church. What were the bishops thinking? There is no canonical basis for this. They are making up their own rules and using the Sacraments in the most disgusting way. Let’s see if the Vatican has some decency and backbone to put an end to this quickly. Every Bishop who agreed with this decision should be removed. I can’t even begin to imagine what the reaction of Jesus would be.
Sola Fide
Sola Gratia
Sola Scriptura
Oh, how we soon forget.
This is something out of “The Godfather movie.” Marlin Brando in a lettle red hat saying, “Its all about money.” No money, no sacramnts. I’m givening you an offer you can’t refuse. We’ve come a long way from the money changers in the temple.
Disgusting, the bishops are holding the people hostage over money.