Germany is one of the most common destinations for asylum seekers, economic
migrants, and international students. Many of them come from countries where
religion is not only pervasive but often mandatory. Some arrive in search of not only
economic stability or physical safety, but also freedom of conscience. However, for
atheist immigrants, integration in Europe presents unique challenges that are rarely
addressed in public discourse or migration policies.
A Secular Country That Still Breathes Religion
At first glance, Germany seems like an ideal place for a non-religious person.
According to the Pew Research Center (2018), around 38% of the German
population identifies with no religion particularly in eastern states such as Saxony
and Brandenburg, where the percentage of non-believers exceeds 60%.
However, this picture changes depending on the region and context. In the southern
states, such as Bavaria or Baden Württemberg, churches still exert considerable
influence over education, healthcare, and political life. For example, official holidays
still follow the Christian calendar, and in many public schools there is not only the
option but also informal pressure to attend Christian religious education.
For an atheist immigrant, the German environment can feel contradictory: on one
hand, the State is constitutionally secular; on the other, many public institutions
reflect long-standing religious structures. This contradiction may cause confusion
and frustration for those who fought hard to leave religion behind in their country of
origin.
Subtle Discrimination and Institutional Invisibility
Unlike the open persecution faced by atheists in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, or
even Colombia, marginalization in Germany tends to be subtle and structural. There
is no law that prohibits someone from identifying as an atheist. However, official
processes can still reflect assumptions about religious identity. For example,
individuals are often asked about their religious affiliation for the purposes of the
church tax (Kirchensteuer). While it is perfectly acceptable to declare oneself ohne
Konfession (“without denomination”), several immigrants have reported that, during
their integration or asylum procedures, officers or social workers sometimes assume
they adhere to a religion based solely on their country of origin or ethnic background.
One notable case is that of Ilyes, an asylum seeker from Syria. In an interview for
this article, he recounted how, in his refugee shelter, he was assigned Islamic
pastoral counselling, despite having clearly stated that he had not believed in God
for many years. “It felt like escaping one imposition just to fall into another though a
softer one,” he said.
Support from Secular Organizations
In response to these realities, various initiatives have emerged to support and make
visible the situation of non religious people during the integration process. One of the
most active is Säkulare Flüchtlingshilfe e. V. (Atheist Refugee Relief), founded in
2017 by ex Muslim and humanist activists. Based in Cologne, the organization
provides legal advice, psychological support, and assistance in cases involving
threats due to apostasy.
One of the best-known figures associated with the group is Rana Ahmad, a Saudi-
born activist and author who fled to Germany after leaving Islam. In her book
“Frauen dürfen hier nicht träumen” (Women Are Not Allowed to Dream Here),
Ahmad recounts her escape and the ongoing fear of reprisal for her lack of faith even
after reaching Europe. In interviews, she has warned: “Being atheist in a European
refugee camp can be just as dangerous as in the Middle East, if proper protection
isn’t provided.”
The organization continues to advocate for the explicit recognition of non-believers
as a vulnerable group within asylum procedures. While Germany has granted
asylum to some ex-Muslim atheists due to religious persecution, there is still no
formal category or integration policy that addresses irreligion specifically.
Daily Challenges and Cultural Adaptation
In everyday life, challenges for atheist immigrants in Germany often stem from the
lack of a community. Social support networks including many NGOs that provide
food, clothing, or housing assistance are frequently operated by Christian
institutions, both Protestant and Catholic. While religious adherence is not a
requirement to receive help, some beneficiaries have expressed discomfort in
environments where religious references are constant.
Social integration can also be complicated. “In Germany, many families come
together for religious holidays like Christmas or Easter. As a newly arrived atheist,
it’s difficult to know how to participate. You’re not Christian, but you also don’t want to
be alone,” says Ingrid, a Colombian migrant living in Osnabrück.
A Path Toward Visibility
Despite these challenges, a growing number of non-religious individuals find
Germany to be a place where they can live freely and authentically. Organizations
like the Humanistischer Verband Deutschlands (HVD) offer secular alternatives for
life events such as weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. They also work with
schools and local governments to promote ethical education without religious
content.
The road toward full integration of atheist immigrants in Europe must include the
recognition that freedom of religion also means the freedom not to believe. Achieving
this requires policies that not only tolerate diverse beliefs but ensure equal treatment
and access to services free from religious assumptions or pressure.
