Just out of curiosity, does this law pertain to aethists or agnostics? What if I moved to Germany and went to an Episcopal church? It appears that separation of church and state is not practiced in Germany - at least if you are Lutheran or Catholic. Would I even find an Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, or Congregationalist church to go to?

You only have to pay if you are Lutheran or Catholic, and it's up to you to leave/secede (but for some professions, such reduces your job options, a lot of kindergartens, hospitals, nursing homes and other social/care institutions are operated by the church(es) and would only employ "members"). How other denominations collect their taxes or donations is up to them. Of all citizens, there are ~30% Catholics, 30% Lutherans, 30% atheists, 7% Muslims, and the remaining 3% of other denominations. If there are any Episcopal churches they fall under the 3% as do Jewish and Baptist, and of the latter two you would find a church at least in big cities. (It will be easier to find a mosque though, I guess.) Most of our public holidays are religious ones, enforced by the Catholic and Lutheran church as is that shops are not allowed to open on Sundays etc, that might give an idea of the influence the church has.

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Laurie, I did a research - you could go to one of these 14 cities (all former or current British/US military bases):
http://www.caecg.de/
And better not to move to former East Germany (except Berlin).

I also snuck a peek into Austria and found only one in Vienna. No offense to Germany, but I think I would go there. It dates to the 1870s, the priest appears to be American, and I loved both Austria and Vienna when I spent the summer in Europe many long years ago. Its people were the friendliest of all.

(07-15-2015 02:29 PM)L Verge Wrote:  It appears that separation of church and state is not practiced in Germany

Just curious - this comment reminds me of the "happy Christmas" controversy in the US - what do those who object to these wishes say about facing "In God We Trust" everyday on money, and the president being sworn in on the Bible?

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(07-15-2015 05:47 PM)L Verge Wrote:  I also snuck a peek into Austria and found only one in Vienna. No offense to Germany, but I think I would go there. It dates to the 1870s, the priest appears to be American, and I loved both Austria and Vienna when I spent the summer in Europe many long years ago. Its people were the friendliest of all.

Oh, if I could I would go, too, move to FL...I agree on the Viennans, and it's a nice city, but to me the entire country lacks an essential feature - the sea.

(07-15-2015 05:53 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(07-15-2015 02:29 PM)L Verge Wrote:  It appears that separation of church and state is not practiced in Germany

Just curious - this comment reminds me of the "happy Christmas" controversy in the US - what do those who object to these wishes say about facing "In God We Trust" everyday on money, and the president being sworn in on the Bible?

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(07-15-2015 05:47 PM)L Verge Wrote:  I also snuck a peek into Austria and found only one in Vienna. No offense to Germany, but I think I would go there. It dates to the 1870s, the priest appears to be American, and I loved both Austria and Vienna when I spent the summer in Europe many long years ago. Its people were the friendliest of all.

Oh, if I could I would go, too, move to FL...I agree on the Viennans, and it's a nice city, but to me the entire country lacks an essential feature - the sea.

Don't get me started on those non-believers who forget that our country was founded on religious principles... I still believe in a republic where the majority rules.

The lack of a sea makes Austria even more appealing to me. I am not a water baby and enjoy only the sound of water lapping against the shore. Sitting lakeside without messy sand would suit me fine, but spending a vacation touring historic sites is much more fun for me -- when I could walk without pain, that is.