[1] The SED's goal was to prevent religious involvement in state affairs, particularly with regard to education and training of children and young people.
The Secretary was responsible for maintaining the relationship between government and the churches and religious groups, but was kept weak with no power to set policy.
"[3] In addition to maintaining relationships with the churches, the Secretary was to ensure that the laws and ordinances kept pace with the development of the socialist state.
Those that were on the list were allowed to hold church services,[6] though there were waves of persecution in 1953 and 1958, including arrests of ministers and others, and show trials.
Christian Science was denied because of the religion's affiliation with the United States and a Nazi-era law related to medical practice.