If you can't pay, you are no longer entitled to any of the traditions once offered for the love of God alone.
Has the horror of greed, actually penetrated the Roman Catholic church in Germany?
It would certainly seem so. What was once a given in the practice of the Roman Catholic faith, is now seen as an expensive add on, so much so, that if you find yourself in the situation of being unable to tithe you are no longer welcome to participate in that which once would afford you, the comfort of your faith.
It's a good thing Jesus was resurrected, for the announcement of this would surely have him rolling over in his grave
Germany's Roman Catholics who refuse to pay a church tax are to be denied the right to Holy Communion or become a godparent.
In a move decried by a progressive Catholic group, the German bishops' conference last week issued a decree, saying it was "worried" about the Catholic Church's dwindling numbers and wanted to stem the drop.
Confession, the Eucharist, confirmation in the Church or anointing of the sick – unless the patient's life is in danger – are now out of bounds for anyone who leaves the Church, the decree, which took effect Monday, stated.
Becoming a godparent is also off limits, it said.
Germany has had a system in place since the 19th century asking residents to either officially declare their religion and pay a church tax, or to be classed as "non-religious".
The levy amounts to between eight and 10 per cent of income tax, depending on where the person lives.
