Seceding From the State Church

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 14, 1913

Seceding From the State Church

The rapidly increasing expenditure of the German government for war preparations is very materially affecting the state Protestant church of the country. This at least is the statement of the Pacific Christian Advocate of July 23, 1913. Every nominal member of the church, whether Protestant or Catholic, is compelled to pay for the support of the church to which he cleaves not less than twenty per cent of his income. Tax is collected from the church adherents, and if one refuses payment, an officer is sent to see that the demands are satisfied. It is claimed that many seek relief from this church tax, which they can do by seceding from the church, in order to meet the military tax, from which there is absolutely no escape.

It is estimated that in 1905 there was a secession of more than twelve thousand persons. This was increased in 1911 to sixty thousand, in 1912 to one hundred thousand, and it is believed that the present year will show a loss of two hundred thousand. Many of these who withdraw from the church have a struggle for existence, and feel that this course is the only hope of meeting the demands made upon them.