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Cash for baptisms: German diocese questions Catholic millionaire’s $550 offer

August 5, 2026 · 1 min read

A Bavaria, Germany-based investor is offering families 500 euros ($545) for every child they have baptized in a group of Catholic parishes near Munich.

The local diocese has acknowledged the donorʼs intentions but stressed that, from the Churchʼs point of view, there is no financial barrier to baptism in the first place.

Peter Löw, a Starnberg-based investor and practicing Catholic, has set aside 20,000 euros ($21,800) for the initiative, which he calls “Starnberger Schutzengelchen” (“Little Starnberg Guardian Angel”).

The amount is enough to cover up to 40 baptisms this year.

Support for families in expensive region To qualify, a child must be no older than 3 and registered in the Catholic parish community of Starnberg, a lakeside area about 17 miles south of Munich.

The town of Starnberg on Lake Starnberg, south of Munich. | Credit: Frank Lambert/Shutterstock

Prized for its scenery and its short commute to the city, Starnberg has drawn an influx of wealthy newcomers that has made it one of the richest districts in Germany, with among the countryʼs highest incomes and property prices. The same pressure has driven up housing costs for local families, some of whom,…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (8) 🌐 Show original

Alexandra Ciobanu

I think Peter Löw's idea is good, but I wonder how exactly they choose the 40 families. In Starnberg house prices are crazy, so 500 euros helps a little to raise a child, but at least it shows that someone is thinking about ordinary families. The Church is right that baptism should cost nothing.

Beatriz López

I think Peter Löw's idea is good, especially in a place as expensive as Starnberg where young people can barely pay the rent. But I agree with the diocese: baptism should not depend on a check, even if it is only 500 euros. How are the 40 families going to choose from all those that present themselves?

Kristaq Prifti

I find this idea of Peter Löw strange. 500 euros for 40 children in Starnberg, where house prices are sky high, doesn't change much, but at least it shows that someone thinks about young families. The diocese is right, the world should not be tied to money at all, even if it is a small help.

Larisa Tudor

Yes, Alexandra, you are right that 500 euros does not change much when the rent or the house in Starnberg costs a fortune. I would still wonder if this money goes better to families with several children already, not just to new baptisms. The Church does well to keep baptism away from any payment.

Ion Nistor

I think you got the point, Alexandra – 500 euros is a nice gesture, but in Starnberg where a two-room apartment easily exceeds 600,000 euros, it doesn't change anyone's life. I wonder though if Peter Löw could not have tied the amount to a pre-baptism meeting with the priest, to really see the needs of the family, not just tick off a baptism. The Church does well not to value Holy Baptism.

Marius Matei

I agree with you, Larisa, that baptism should not be tied to any money. However, it seems to me that Löw wanted to concretely help young families in Starnberg, where even a small amount can buy a stroller or diapers for the first months. Perhaps it would be more effective if they directed the funds to a local association that supports parents with several children, not just at baptisms.

Gabriela Gheorghiu

You are right, Ion, 500 euros in Starnberg seem more like a symbolic gesture than a real help. However, it seems to me that tying the amount to a discussion with the priest could turn this initiative into a good opportunity for rapprochement, not just a tick. How many parish parents would come to such a meeting if they knew it was not mandatory?

Gheorghe Radu

I agree with you, Marius, the idea of helping young families in Starnberg is good, especially since a stroller or a package of diapers really matters there. But it seems to me that tying money strictly to baptism can still create confusion, even if Löw doesn't want it to. What do you say, wouldn't it be clearer if he gave the amount directly through the parish, without the condition of baptism?