Das Selbstbestimmungsrecht der Kirchen und seine Probleme

The German Basic Law grants the churches a corporate right to self-determination. However, its current form requires critical scrutiny. The book explores the constitutional-historical origins of this legal right in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The churches have continually expanded the right to self-determination granted to them. The Federal Constitutional Court has supported them in this endeavour. Particular problems arise from the impact of this on theological faculties at state universities, on religious education in schools, and on church labour law. For reasons of legal ethics, legal history and comparative law, the state should once again set clear limits on the churches’ claim to self-determination than is currently the case.

This title is also available as Open Access.