If American taxes and regulations seem to be outrageous, a look at European taxes may encourage the citizen to think more kindly of the tax code. For example, many European governments, Germany and Austria among them, withhold a tax from registered church members amounting to ten per cent of the net after tax amount or roughly nine per cent of the gross pay.
Church Money for Works
Church officials will say that the works of charity done in the name of the church would not take place without the tax. While that may or may not be true, it is certain that about two-thirds of the amount collected pays church salaries. Churches do not do work in the community without their clergy to lead and supervise, so presumably the argument will hold water.
Any visitor to Europe will have noticed, one might say been overwhelmed by, the age and magnificence of churches and cathedrals. Repair and renovation of the beautiful art and architecture are a drain on church funds. It is no exaggeration to say that scaffolding is as common in Christian churches as crosses and crucifixes. Somehow that cost must be paid if the historically significant structures are not to be lost to future generations.
Visitors are subtly encouraged to contribute and in some cases, such as the Salzburg Cathedral, charged admission. These contributions, while appreciated, cannot amount to enough cash to sustain the amount of work that an ornate church with gilding and frescoes must require to preserve its landmark status.
Opposition to the Tax
There is, inevitably, opposition to the church tax. Separation of church and state is not an issue in most European communities where such separation was never to be found prior to the French revolution. A person who is counted a member by baptism of an organized and incorporated church is subject to the tax automatically. If a person was presented for baptism as a child, that person is a member of the church and subject to tax for a commitment the parents made for him or her.
Further, members of the Roman Catholic or Protestant faiths are increasingly dissatisfied with the way the church responds to their needs as worshipers and members. A German member of the Roman Catholic faith, who wished his name to be withheld, told the story of his visit to an American church. He and his wife were greeted cordially and nursery care was offered for their child. In a similar church in Germany, he said, they would be told to sit over there, and by the way, keep the kid quiet.
Complaints about church organization, financing and responsiveness are not limited to Roman Catholic Church members. Protestant clergy who are married and have children receive extra money for each child born to them. Some people find that reprehensible with the population of the world growing daily. Vacation pay and extra bonuses are also sore spots with both Roman Catholic and Protestant faithful.
Americans have the freedom from imposed tithing provided by the constitution. Imposed tithing in Europe presents a painful dilemma for church goers. Some refuse their membership in the church to avoid the taxes. Choosing between membership and money can only be detrimental in the long run for churches and church members. Americans can be thankful for the foresight of the writers of the constitution in this respect.
Source:
Eilene Toppin Ording - Eilene Toppin Ording comes from a wide industrial and educational background. A farmer's daughter from Minnesota, Eilene is an active ...
