In April this year, an extensive survey of the population is set to take place in Germany. Protests against it are already emerging from many quarters. It is, in fact, “a burden on the people”, as the questions exceed the usual scope. Every citizen is also required to provide detailed personal data. The forms must be completed accurately and fully, as prescribed and enforced by law. Anyone who refuses to comply must expect a fine of up to DM 10,000 and other consequences. We can only hope that the wave of protests will gain enough momentum to prevent the census from being implemented. However, at most – if at all – it may only be postponed, not cancelled.

Part 4 where information on "Legal affiliation to a religious community" must be entered is of importance for believers. We only have the option to tick the last line. The pre-printed text on this line reads: “He/she does not belong to any religious community”. According to the interpretation of the Constitution, the term “religious community” only applies to the two large confessions and churches and free churches recognized by the state, as designated by a Bundestag (parliament) resolution, as an association of public law. Therefore, only the last line of Part 4 applies to us.

In April this year, an extensive survey of the population is set to take place in Germany. Protests against it are already emerging from many quarters. It is, in fact, “a burden on the people”, as the questions exceed the usual scope. Every citizen is also required to provide detailed personal data. The forms must be completed accurately and fully, as prescribed and enforced by law. Anyone who refuses to comply must expect a fine of up to DM 10,000 and other consequences. We can only hope that the wave of protests will gain enough momentum to prevent the census from being implemented. However, at most – if at all – it may only be postponed, not cancelled. 

Part 4 where information on "Legal affiliation to a religious community" must be entered is of importance for believers. We only have the option to tick the last line. The pre-printed text on this line reads: “He/she does not belong to any religious community”. According to the interpretation of the Constitution, the term “religious community” only applies to the two large confessions and churches and free churches recognized by the state, as designated by a Bundestag (parliament) resolution, as an association of public law. Therefore, only the last line of Part 4 applies to us.