Churches fear proposed law

Churches in Liechtenstein, one of the world's smallest countries at 62 square miles, say government plans to withdraw state subsidies could spell financial ruin for their ministries.

"We depend on [state] financial support, and there'll be no chance of obtaining it if the new law goes ahead," said Markus Meidert, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liechtenstein.

Half of the Lutheran church's budget comes from the state. Plans call for ending the Roman Catholic Church's status as the state church and withdrawing subsidies from it and other recognized religious groups.