1935 REICHSGESETZBLA.TT, PART I, PAGE 1370
Fifth decree for execution of the Law for the Safeguarding of the German Protestant Church of 2 December 1935
On the basis of the Law for the Safeguarding of the German Protestant Church of 24 September 1935 (Reichsgesetzblatt I Page 1178) it is hereby decreed:
Par. 1
1. Insofar as, on the basis of the Law for Safeguarding the German Protestant Church of 24 September 1935 (Reichsgesetzblatt I, Page 1178) and the executive decrees, organs of church leadership have been formed in the German Protestant Church and the State Church, the exercise of church-authoritative and church-official powers by church association is not permissible.
2. To the functions not permissible in accordance with paragraph 1 belong particularly the filling of pastorates, the engagement of clerical assistants, the examination and ordaining of candidates of the Protestant State Churches visitation in church communities, the publishing of the banns, the collection and administration of church dues and assessments the imposition of alms and collections with reference to church community activities such as the summoning of synods.
3. The freedom of religious sermons and the care of the religious community by church associations and groups is not effected.
Par. 2
1. The Reich Minister for Church Affairs will announce the churches and church provinces to which the case of par. 1, no. 1 applies.
2. Organs of church associations or groups which continue to exercise church authoritative and church official powers in the sphere of the church or church provinces concerned after such an announcement may be dissolved.
Par. 3
After this decree becomes effective, the assumption of church authoritative and church official powers by organs of church associations or groups is not permissible. The provisions of Par 2 number 2 applies accordingly.
Par. 4
This decree takes effect on the day following its publication. Berlin, 2, December, 1935
The Reich Minister for Church Affairs.
KERRL
146
Decree stating that authoritative powers reside in the German Evangelical Church and the state churches, not in church associations
Authors
Hanns Kerrl (Reich Minister for Church Affairs (1935-38); justice minister, Prussia (1933-34))
Hanns Kerrl
Nazi Minister for Religion (1887-1941)
- Born: 1887-12-11 (Fallersleben)
- Died: 1941-12-15 1941-12-12 (Paris)
- Country of citizenship: German Reich
- Occupation: politician
- Member of political party: Nazi Party
- Member of: Sturmabteilung
- Significant person: Paul Lindemann
- Position held: Member of Landtag of Prussia; member of the Reichstag of Nazi Germany; minister
Date: 02 December 1936
Literal Title: Fifth decree for execution of the Law for the Safeguarding of the German Evangelical Church of 2, December 1935
Total Pages: 2
Language of Text: English
Source of Text: Nazi conspiracy and aggression (Office of United States Chief of Counsel for Prosecution of Axis Criminality. Washington, D.C. : U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946.)
Evidence Code: PS-3437
Citation: IMT (page 2248)
HLSL Item No.: 450486
Notes:For the Law for the Safeguarding of the German Evangelical Church, see document PS 3436. This document was entered for judicial notice without an exhibit number.