As an atheist and a cigarette detester don't know whether to laugh or cry.

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_ne...l?cid=28940930

I wasn't aware that companies could opt of church taxes. I know that individuals can. Maybe this is a NE thing? We don't have that choice in ZH.

Thats true - in most cantons are church taxes for companies not voluntarily... which is a bit unfair to the people owning and running businesses that happen to have a different religion.

I guess NE is one of the very few places globally that has something like a "voluntary tax". For me it is fascinating that they are surprised that a companies stop paying if they don't have to... capitalist 101.

Churches kicking up a fuss over their funds being cut by a company they (should) disapprove of?

Brain not computing to even laugh.

score one for the bad guys??' ( I guess... I dunno, I'm confused)

Sets me to pondering ....... Do the alcohol companies also pay this voluntary church tax....?

Ever been to church? They drink wine there...

Quoting from the original,

Neuchâtel and Geneva, which have a strong secular tradition, are the only cantons where payment of the church tax by individuals and firms is voluntary.

so presumable all the "clubs" for "visiting businessmen" will also be paying this tax to the church - to save their souls etc etc

Although the Christian church has had a long association with the oldest of professions

interesting

Caz - Konfessionlos

Not surprising. But very amusing.

I wonder how they'll make up the shortfall? Increase the tax/ donation requirements of their congregations?

the catholics can sell letters of indulgence, but I am not sure what the protestants will be up to...

As a Christian, a firm disestablishmentarianist and cigarette detester, I knew precisely what to do.

Well, that's not right. In Vaud you are also free to choose not to pay church tax.

and Whisky....?

The EREN, Neuchatel Reformed Church was already in dire straights before the Phillip Morris decision, and have been selling Vicarages over past few years in order to generate money + cut expense on maintenance, repairs, etc- as many date from the 16C. They were sharply aware of the 'hypocrisy' of taking tobacco money - but really had little choice. They are in real trouble now, as very few choose to pay the tax - and yet still expect to get married in Church, have the kids babtised there, have funerals there, etc. They also expect the Vicar to visit individuals in any kind of trouble at home, hospital of OAP homes, etc.
Hypocrisy rules.

The catholic church is the richest organisation in the world....

They should just put out a press release saying that, due to financial difficulties, they are going to sell some churches to some groups that want to build mosques. That ought to perk up donations.

Churches here actually belong and are maintained by the Communes, not the Church, unlike Vicarages (our house was the Vicarage from 1587 until we bought it in 2008). The money made with those sales has long gone though.

The Catholic Church is of course very rich - but not the Protestant one- and they are in real trouble here in NE. I've discussed this with our local Vicars - and they are seriously worried. I've suggested that they start charging for weddings, funerals, etc, for all those who do NOT pay the Church tax. They may have no choice, but they are worried that many will opt out totally and look for alternative for the 'pretty' wedding and babtism photos- and with more people being cremated, an alternative service a the Crematorium. No idea what they will do to survive.

Wait a minute, since when is smoking tobacco a sin?

Yeah, but these are Protestants who are complaining.

Fair enough, but pretty sure that church is not short of a penny either. It is a cool irony that the just are now complaining about not getting their corrupt tax money.

They might need to pass the bowl around an extra time each Sunday morning instead.