New German Chancellor does not read the phrase about God during his oath
Olaf Scholz takes the oath. Photo: twitter.com/bianet_org
On December 8, 2021, the new Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, took the oath of office renouncing the mention of God in the text. This was reported by the Bundestag website.
The text of the oath provided for in the Basic Law reads as follows: I swear to use my strength for the welfare of the German people, to multiply their benefits, to divert threats from them, to respect and protect the Constitution and laws of the Federation, to perform my duties properly and to be fair to everyone. May God help me."
The last sentence is pronounced by politicians at their discretion, but only two of the nine chancellors have rejected it – Gerhard Schroeder and the newly elected Scholz.
Also, unlike his predecessors, Scholz does not belong to any of the denominations, specifies Sonntagsblatt. He used to belong to the Evangelical Church, but left it a few years ago.
At the same time, the politician does not consider himself an atheist and emphasizes that the faith and the church shaped him.
"As a politician, I am in favor of everyone appreciating the Christian nature of our culture," he explained in an autumn interview with the Katholischen Nachrichtenagentur (KNA).
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that atheists in the United States demanded that the phrase "May God help me" be removed from the text of the oath.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.