News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

markus-soder-cross-main_article_image.jpg
Twitter
World News

Church criticises German state's cross display law

by Eno Adeogun

The bylaw pushed through by Markus Söder, the Bavarian state premier, requires government buildings to display a cross in their entrance from next month.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx, head of the German Bishops' Conference, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that Mr Söder had not discussed the law change with him and warned against "instrumentalising" the Christian symbol.

 

"This has caused unrest and is pitting people against each other," Cardinal Marx said.

Mr Söder said in a statement that the cross "stands for elemental values such as charity, human dignity and tolerance".

He added that crosses should not be seen as religious symbols but as a "clear avowal of our Bavarian identity and Christian values".

Roman Catholic and evangelical Christian leaders have also said they are concerned the cross is being used by the ruling Christian Social Union as nothing more than a political tool to garner votes ahead of October's election amid fears of a rise of the far right.

The order could still be challenged in the courts for breaching the German constitution's insistence of equal treatment of religions.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate