Step taken toward ban on Scientology

German federal and state interior ministers declared the Church of Scientology in conflict with the constitution, opening the way for a possible ban.

Germany does not recognize Scientology as a religion and regards it as a cult masquerading as a church to make money.

Scientologists reject this view and said in a statement that more than 50 court decisions in Germany had acknowledged the group as a religious community.

“The interior ministers’ statement has no factual basis,” a spokeswoman said by e-mail.

The officials gave no specific examples for their decision, but the most recent annual report on extremism compiled by their agencies asserted that Scientology “seeks to limit or rescind basic and human rights.”