Germany High Court Upholds Witnesses? Full Exercise of Faith
On March 24, 2005, the High Administrative Court (OVG) in Berlin granted Jehovah?s Witnesses recognition as a Corporation of Public Right. Jehovah?s Witnesses have been active in Germany for over 100 years and are well-known there as around the world for their signature work of teaching the Bible to any who are interested in its message. What benefits does an already legal and recognized religion gain by being classified as having ?Public Corporation Rights??
Under German law, this corporate status is enjoyed by most major religions. The High Court?s ruling is a further protection to Jehovah?s Witnesses and adds the right to establish charitable organizations, maintain tax-exempt status, and provide buildings and meetings for worship.
Werner Rudtke, speaking for the presiding committee of the Religious Association in Germany, said: ?The decision will further simplify the exercise of our religion. Our local congregations (communities), which have often been registered as individual associations, can be better supported in the future by the Religious Association, for example when looking for property for Kingdom Halls. That means more freedom for our main activity?preaching the gospel and providing Bible education.?
While this new status allows the corporation to employ elders as civil servants, Jehovah?s Witnesses will not utilize this provision. Congregation elders among Jehovah?s Witnesses are not salaried, since from earliest times this position is one taken voluntarily, with no monetary compensation. The role of the elders continues to be based on spiritual qualifications outlined in Scripture and is not any elected position.
Rudtke adds that the ruling improves cooperation with the officials. Jehovah?s Witnesses already have an international reputation for being politically neutral, and they already operate around the world as a not-for-profit organization. But this latest ruling in Germany documents that they are not interested in nor would they ever seek financial reimbursement from the government. ?We wish to emphasize that we relinquish the right to take church tax [a provision available to recognized religions in Germany] and to appoint our own officials,? says Rudtke. And regarding the internationally recognized work of Jehovah?s Witnesses, ?Our main interest remains to impart hope and comfort for the future by means of the Bible.?
Media Contact: Werner Rudtke 011-49-6483 41-0