In Germany the Basic Law guarantees religious freedom; there are more than 2,000 mosques
is the freedom of religion enshrined in the
a church tax, collected by the state, to fin-
Basic Law, the separation of church and
ance social services. Schools must offer
state in the sense of the state’s religious
religious studies as a regular subject (limit-
neutrality and the right to self-determina-
ed in Berlin and Bremen). Islamic religious
tion of the religious communities.
instruction is currently being expanded.
Around 700,000 Muslim children and young
The state and religious communities co-
people attend school in Germany. Addi-
operate on a joint basis. The state helps fin-
tional teachers are being trained in order
ance nurseries and schools sponsored by
to be able to offer them religious instruc-
religious communities, while churches levy
tion.