Scientology in Germany

The Church of Scientology has operated in Germany since 1970. German authorities estimate that there are 3,500 active Scientologists in Germany as of 2019^[update].^[1] The Church of Scientology gives a membership figure of around 12,000.^[2] The Church of Scientology has encountered particular antagonism from the German press and government and occupies a precarious legal, social and cultural position in Germany.

As of 2017^[update], German courts have so far not resolved whether to accord Scientology the legal status of a religious or worldview community, and different courts have reached contradictory conclusions.^[3] The German domestic intelligence service is constantly monitoring the organization and mentions them in their annual review about anti-constitutional activities. The German government does not recognize Scientology as a religion; rather, it views it as an abusive business masquerading as a religion and believes that it pursues political goals that conflict with the values enshrined in the German constitution. This stance has been criticized by the U.S. government.^[4][5]

Scientologists in Germany do not enjoy tax benefits or protection as do other religions. They are, like other sects not granted status of a religion, barred from membership in some major political parties, and businesses and other employers use so-called "sect filters" to expose a prospective business partner's or employee's association with the organization. Unlike a formally accepted religious belief (church) there is no protection from others selecting to not do business or accept membership based on the fact that an applicant is in Scientology, or other groups that are under surveillance by the domestic intelligence service. German federal and state interior ministers started a process aimed at banning Scientology in late 2007, but abandoned the initiative a year later, finding insufficient legal grounds. As of 2017, polls suggest that half of Germans supported banning Scientology, while over two-thirds considered Scientology dangerous.^[6]