Church contributions in danger: FPÖ demands drastic financial reforms!

Church contributions in danger: FPÖ demands drastic financial reforms!

The discussion about the financial support of the churches in Austria is picking up speed after the FPÖ has called for a drastic reduction in donations and church contributions as part of the coalition negotiations. This would lead to considerable financial losses for the Catholic Church and its members. According to media reports, this could mean for the over 3.2 million contributors in Austria that they have to pay several hundred euros more annually. The Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference, Peter Schipka, pointed out in an interview with the Ö1 mid-day journal that the planned deletions would not only violate the principle of budget consolidation, but would also endanger the preservation of cultural assets. He emphasized that the tax deductibility of donations ultimately also benefits the state, since this reduces the pressure on state services.

church financing in European comparison

The Austrian church contribution, a model that is strongly interwoven with the history of the country, is not only in Europe. The financing of religious communities in various European countries varies considerably. Religious communities have different sources of income that range from membership fees to state financing and donations. As lawrigion.at , a comprehensive comparison shows that church financing in Europe is constantly changing. The decline in the number of members and the changing society has already led to a significant decline in financial resources, which makes a "further so" mentality.

The FPÖ sees the possible reduction in tax equalization an important savings potential. However, an annual saving of 155 million euros would massively increase the pressure on the churches and their cultural tasks. However, the Bishops' Conference warns that such a decision not only endangers the churches, but also bring far -reaching consequences for society as a whole.