The adherents of the banned Earnest Bible Students are to be regarded as enemies of the State because they refuse to fulfill elementary duties of a citizen such as the obligation to vote and to perform military service. There is evidence that other subversive elements of Marxist origin joined the Bible Students in order to agitate and conspire against the State in the clothes of religion. In addition to holding illegal meetings, the Bible Students also obtained literature from abroad, which was copied and distributed. In general, the Bible Students admit the charges brought against them. The International Association of Earnest Bible Students regards itself as a religious association, which holds to a special Christian belief, however differing from other Christian religions.
Religious freedom is guaranteed.
Presentation of facts regarding the character of the International Earnest Bible Students Association. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was formed in 1884 and serves as the central corporation for the association of Bible Students, who are spread out almost on a worldwide scale. Before the ban was decreed the Bible Students in Germany were represented by the International Association of Earnest Bible Students. Both associations form a unity as regard their activities in Germany. Both associations did not pursue the goal to form a new church or sect.