AS ERASMUS has already noted, there are places all over Europe where right-of-centre politicians are sounding a clarion call of Christian nativism while progressive Christian clerics are pulling in the other direction, urging tolerance and respect for diversity. The latest locus of this surreal standoff is the German region of Bavaria, which has for centuries been a bastion of Teutonic Catholicism.
Markus Söder, the newish Bavarian premier, has decreed that from June 1st a crucifix must be displayed in all offices of the regional government. He described the decision as a "commitment to Bavarian identity and culture" which was not explicitly doctrinal. Given that in this context the "cross is not a sign of religion" its display did not amount to a "violation of the principle of neutrality" by state authorities. As might have been expected, the decision was immediately welcomed by politicians who stand to the right of Mr...Continue reading
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