The Germans don't have to subscribe to any church - but if they do register themselves as a member they have to pay the tax.
The priests I knew (and I knew a lot) all lived in some comfort and were able to drink and smoke.
I would certainly not allow myself to be dictated to by any cleric and if I wanted to go on conversing in a dining room I would certainly do so. I wonder how he would like it if I got up and gave a speech espousing atheism?
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