Founded in 1859 the Bund Freireligiöser Gemeinden Deutschlands BFGD has a rich history. We stand before its legacy a testament to religious freedom. The BFGD began as a union of free religious and philosophical communities. Its primary goal was self-determination in religious matters. It also championed the separation of church and state.
Initially some member communities identified as Christian. They sought reform beyond denominational lines. They rejected the doctrine of the Trinity advocating a rationalistic interpretation of the Bible. This led to their expulsion from established churches. This ultimately spurred their unification within the BFGD.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1924. The BFGD merged with the German Freethinkers’ League. They formed the People’s League for Freedom of Thought. Despite aligning with the German Faith Movement the BFGD was dissolved in 1934. It was re-established in 1937 as the Community of German Folk Religion. After 1945 the BFGD resumed its original name in the three Western zones of occupied Germany.
The BFGD’s records were transferred to the Mannheim city archives in September 1996. They’ve resided in the Federal Archives since 1998. Since 2001 the BFGD has awarded the Robert Blum Prize. In 2015 the Humanist Community of Hesse left the organization. The BFGD now consists of the Free Religious State Communities of Palatinate and Baden along with the Free Religious Community of Offenbach.
The BFGD holds memberships in various organizations. These include the umbrella organization of free worldview communities the Free Academy the International Humanist and Ethical Union and the European Humanist Federation. It also belongs to the German Paritarian Welfare Association and the Central Office for the Rights and Protection of Conscientious Objectors. The BFGD is a public corporation. It’s a vital part of Germany’s religious landscape a beacon for free thought and individual conscience. Its enduring presence reminds us of the ongoing struggle for religious liberty and the importance of intellectual autonomy. Let’s reflect on the BFGD’s commitment to these ideals a commitment that resonates even today.