The religion of Germany, traditionally speaking, was Roman Catholicism until the Reformation begun by Martin Luther. The age-old Catholic Church then from the 15th century onwards had to share space with the Reformer’s Protestantism almost equally.
Later on Protestantism rose to be the major religion of Germany with almost two thirds of the population practising this faith.
The Thirty Year’s War, which was fought on religious grounds, culminated in the division of Germany into regions based on religion. Catholicism prevailed in the southern and western areas. The East German regions and some northern states were predominantly staunch Protestants.
However, long stint of Communism has had its effect resulting in a generally atheistic attitude where religion is concerned. In Saxony-Anhalt, the birth place of Martin Luther, only about 19% of the population hold some kind of religious beliefs.
The Jewish population was exterminated to a large degree by the world war genocide. In spite of that Germany now has about 100,000 Jews, making it a growing German religion.
There are about 3 million Muslims from various countries, notably Turkey, living in Germany.
A rising Hindu population has made its presence felt in most major cities of Germany. Europe’s second largest Hindu temple is to be found in .
All religions are guaranteed freedom to practice their faith by law.
In addition to these major German religions there are over a hundred other smaller groups practising different faiths such as various lesser known Christian denomination like the Orthodox Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and the Baha’i.
Though of all German religions Christianity is the religion of the majority, the Church does not hold any influence over the government and the two are separate entities. The State does finance some schools and establishments run by the Church and this can be seen as a partnership where one does not rule the other.
