Religion

The Slavs believed in different gods. Christianity became established following the capture of the state around 1200. In 1549 the Protestant or Lutheran church replaced the Roman Catholic Church in Mecklenburg. Later there were small Calvinist, reformed or Pietist religious communities, which were followed by new Catholic communities in the 18th century. Jewish communities in towns were interrupted through persecutions.

The Weimar Republic guaranteed religious freedom in 1919. This only lasted until 1933. It was then followed by mistrustful monitoring of Christians and a streak of destruction against Jews. After 1945 the SED government monitored and restricted Christians again. There was a return to religious freedom after 1990, which led to the re-establishment of Jewish communities and the creation of Muslim communities for the first time in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Adherents of natural religions, the Slavs believe in a host of gods.

The Polish rulers had adopted Christianity by 968. But Pomerania remains untouched by the spread of Christian beliefs until the 12th century. The new faith takes hold when the region is conquered in 1200.

In 1534, the Protestant or Lutheran Church replaces the Roman Catholic Church in Pomerania.

Later, Reformed and - in the 18th century - Catholic islands of faith are rebuilt. Jewish communities live in the towns - at times. The Weimar Republic guarantees freedom of faith in 1919. This only lasts until 1933 and is followed by the suspicious observation of Christians and a series of acts of extermination against the Jews. After 1945, the SED government again observes and obstructs Christians. After 1990, freedom of religion reappears, leading again to the formation of Jewish and - for the first time ever - Muslim communities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.