By Jeff Schapiro | Christian Post Reporter
German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants Protestants and Catholics to emphasize what they have in common as the nation prepares for celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation.
"Especially in a very secular world, we should always stress what is common in the Christian religion," Merkel, who is the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said Monday, according to Reuters. Merkel made her comments at the Evangelical Church in Germany's (EKD) annual synod near Luebeck, where Protestant leaders are working to make the "Luther Jubilee" in 2017 more ecumenical by involving Catholics as well.
But bringing together the two church bodies for an event that marks such a major split in church history could prove difficult even in the seemingly minor details.
"I've learned that even the word 'jubilee' used in connection with the Reformation can give rise to discussions," Merkel said. Catholics ascribe special meaning to the term "jubilee years" and as such would prefer to have the anniversary event called a commemoration.