Austria's New Religion Law Threatens Liberal Jewish Congregation's Independence

A small liberal Jewish congregation in Austria has applied for official status as a "Kultusgemeinde," or official Jewish community.  According to JTA yesterday, if the recognition is not granted to Or Chadash before Austria's new religion law (passed last month) takes effect, the liberal congregation will be subject to control by Orthodox Jewish authorities. The new law creates  religious boards consisting of representatives from state-recognized religious communities. The boards will then have control over all religious matters, including conversions, marriages and burials, as well as over funding for schools, teachers and buildings. Currently all 5 recognized Jewish communities in Austria are Orthodox.  Or Chadash was unsuccessful in its attempts to get Parliament to explicitly recognize Liberal Judaism in the new law.