A new representative poll in Germany has revealed that clergy are still held in high esteem by the population in the country, however, their prestige is deteriorating.

The renowned Allenbach Institute carried out the survey and found out that 34 percent of the German population appreciate clergy more than any other profession in the nation.

Church pastors came out in fifth place, after Physicians (71 percent), nurses (56 percent), police (40 percent), and university professors (36 percent).

Since the last poll held two years ago, clergy dropped down three places, from the number two position. In 2003, Physicians were still at the top of the list of most appreciated professions.

Interestingly though, the poll found a significant difference between East and West Germany, say Assist News. Thirty-six percent of the population in West Germany showed a high appreciation of the clergy, where as just twenty-five percent thought likewise in the former communist East Germany.

In a country with 82 million citizens, approximately two-thirds belong to or are members of a church.

There is a relatively even split in the country between Roman Catholics and Protestant Churches. Roman Catholics account for 26.2 million members, mainline Protestant Churches register approximately 25.8 million, and Orthodox Churches just 1.4 million. On top of these figures there are also roughly half a million members to evangelical Churches, such as Baptist, Pentecostal and Methodist Churches.

The poll found that those held in the lowest esteem in Germany were labour union leaders (5 percent), politicians (6 percent), and television presenters (6 percent), say Assist News.