Germans angered over Catholic Church's decision to deny sacraments for church tax scofflaws

[CatholicSheila]

The Church can’t change German law that is correct, but the Church in Germany is cooperating with this when they say that they will deny the main Sacrament (Eucharist) if you don’t contribute X amount of money.

I contribute to my parish. We all, who are able to, should. But this law, in my opinion goes above and beyond that. What if you are unemployed and on social assistance? Do they? What if you have a family of 10 and can’t afford the 8% of your net wages?

We don’t have to justify our faith in Christ to the State.

The Church is not denying the Sacraments for refusing to contribute X amount of money. It is refusing the sacraments because people are denying the faith. They are stating “I am not Catholic” and then complain that they are been treated as non - Catholics. Well, if they’re not Catholic, what are they even asking for the sacraments for?

You are trying to justify people lying about their faith. That is not acceptable just because it is the state that is asking. Many countries have threatened the lives and liberty of their citizens because of their faith - and our faith requires that in those circumstances we stand up and be counted as Christians. Sometimes that is difficult, but in this case people aren’t even trying.

Denying Christ is a grave sin. Do you disagree?

 

[JMJSHJ]

Thank you everyone for answering my questions. In light of this, then I can understand the Church’s position and have no problems with it. I apologise if I offended anyone.

 

[CrossofChrist]

What’s the big deal? Wouldn’t it be nice if in America we saw more money go to the Church and if the Catholic Church played a larger role in the welfare system?

Plus, I suspect it would be similar to seeing a headline in America like “Americans fed up with Catholic Church’s rejection of women’s rights” (aka abortion, contraception). IOW, only dissidents really care.

 

[EmperorNapoleon]

*Caveat: As an American, the idea of a “Kirchensteuer” is absolutely foreign to me…I do not comprehend the idea of paying a tax to the government for the government to turn around and pay to the Church. It seems, somehow, “wrong” to me.

I’m not German, so this is none of my business, but it seems to me that if such a law was to exist in the USA, I would fully and vociferously push to have such a thing repealed. Donations should be free-will, corporal works of mercy should be free-will. To do otherwise somehow seems contrary to the “spirit” of the teachings of the Church.*

A little light reading suggested that, up until the 19th century, the State was responsible for maintaining Church properties. There are a ton of centuries old cathedrals in Germany with what are, probably, very high maintenance costs. So, from the perspective of maintaining buildings of historical significance so facades don’t fall on tourists, I would probably support the tax.

 

[CutlerB]

As a German myself, let me say the following.

Church tax here originated as compensation for the seizure of Church lands and property under and after Napoleon in Germany. Attempts to unite all German dominions into one national state had to take into account the considerable Church lands in the area. Thus, they were taken, which is called Secularisation. This tax is, in my view, necessary and legitimate, since the Church lands would, were they still to exist, generate income and benefits for the Church.

I agree with the German bishops’ stance in denying the sacraments to those who wish to evade Church tax. First of all, only a third of Catholics actually pays Church tax. (Catholics by state recognition, that is.) Then, it’s not that much anyway. Depending on where you live, it’s 6%-8%, I believe.

I don’t see how people can be so arrogant and hypocritical to deny their faith to the state but still demand the Church recognise them as no different. It’s not simony, because it’s not about the money itself. It’s about denying your faith and the Church in order to save 6% of your income, which can be reclaimed anyway. You are essentially committing something similar apostasy for money. By telling the state “I am no longer Catholic” I am doing just that.

 

[Robert_Bay]

Old news, already discussed