> Does the state charge for the collection service?
I have no idea. I'd think that's something to be negotiated between church and state.
> And what if you declare yourself a member of the church but do not want to contribute - can you opt out or do you just have to lie?
If you tell the state that you're member of either of those two religions, you have to pay the tax. Tax evasion is taken seriously in Germany.
If you lie to the state, it's out of the picture. And no church will check your tax record when you go there to pray. They might refuse other services like marriage etc. if you're not declared member.
Most people though are either fond of their church and more or less gladly give or just exit. A good share of people living in Germany don't belong to any religion.
I have no idea. I'd think that's something to be negotiated between church and state.
> And what if you declare yourself a member of the church but do not want to contribute - can you opt out or do you just have to lie?
If you tell the state that you're member of either of those two religions, you have to pay the tax. Tax evasion is taken seriously in Germany.
If you lie to the state, it's out of the picture. And no church will check your tax record when you go there to pray. They might refuse other services like marriage etc. if you're not declared member.
Most people though are either fond of their church and more or less gladly give or just exit. A good share of people living in Germany don't belong to any religion.