Translation of document 3437-PS

          1935 REICHGESETZBLATT, PART I, PAGE 1370

Fifth decree for execution of the Law for the
Safeguarding of the German Protestant Church of 2
December 1935

On the basis of the Law for the Safeguarding of
the German Protestant Church of 24 September 1935.
(Reichsgesetzblatt I Page 1178) it is hereby
decreed:

                           Par. 1

1.   Insofar as, on the basis of the Law for Safeguarding
  the German Protestant Church of 24 September 1935
  (Reichsgesetzblatt I Page 1178) and the executive decrees,
  organ of church leadership have been formed in the German
  Protestant Church and the State Church, the exercise of
  church-authoritative and church-official powers by church
  association is not permissible.

2.   To the functions not permissible in accordance with
  paragraph 1 belong particularly the filling of pastorates,
  the engagement of clerical assistants, the examination and
  ordaining of communities, the publishing of the banns, the
  collection and administration of church dues and assessments
  the imposition of alms and collections with reference to
  church community activities such as the summoning of synods.

                           Par. 2

1.   The Reich Minister for Church Affairs will announce the
  churches and church provinces to which the case of par. 1,
  no. 1 applies.

2.   Organs of church associations or groups which continue
  to exercise church authoritative and church official powers
  in the sphere of the church or church provinces concerned
  after such an announcement may be dissolved.

                           Par. 3

After this decree becomes effective, the
assumption of church authoritative and church
official powers by organs of church associations
or groups is not permissible.  The provisions of
Par 2 number 2 applies accordingly.

                           Par. 4

This decree takes effect on the day following its
publication.
Berlin, 2, December, 1935
            The Reich Minister for Church Affairs.
                                             KERRL