Germany Declares Scientology 'Unconstitutional'

Currently, the federal and state interior ministers of Germany have declared the Church of Scientology as unconstitutional. This could possibly mean a ban of the faith from the country.

The critics of Scientology accuse the faith of being too “black and white.” The ministers of both interiors have asked the domestic intelligence agency of Germany to example the Church’s legal status. They want to see if its legal status of association can be challenged. In Germany, Scientology is not recognized as a religious faith. A statement from the Church of Scientology said that they were out of step with the rest of the world. The church adds that this is nothing more than an attempt to justify the discrimination against the faith and its practitioners which is ongoing and never-ending. It has been accused by critics of cult-type practices along with exploiting followers for financial means. But the accusations have been rejected by Scientologists who say that the religion promotes understanding of the human spirit. Scientologists in Germany have come under intense public scrutiny since January. There have been complaints from people living nearby saying that the members of the church were actively trying to recruit members. Some politicians wanted the organization to be banned as they accuse the church of cult-like practices. Intelligence agencies throughout Germany has monitored Scientology for many years. They claim that the structures could threaten the rule of law along with democratic order. But the church says that the intelligence agencies uncovered no wrongdoing.