In Berlin, an April 26 city referendum failed (receiving only 14 percent support) that would have restored religion classes (optional since 2006) as a subject equal to the required ethics course in schools.
Among Germany’s 16 states, Bremen and Berlin are the only ones to make religion classes noncompulsory.
The failed measure had the support of the Evangelical Church in Germany; the Roman Catholic church; the Central Council of Jews; and a Turkish-Islamic umbrella body.
© 2013 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
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