Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for 500. Reformation Jubilee a decisive commitment to religious freedom in Germany and worldwide. The State is obliged to respect and protect dignity of human being, said CDU chairman at a ceremony in Wittenberg. This is a special way of protecting religious freedom.

According to Merkel, state is committed to religious and ideological neutrality. However, politics should not be freed from task of "protecting and safeguarding a common foundation of values that is indispensable for a successful and peaceful coexistence". Wherever freedom of religion is restricted, social development is also harmed. Therefore, Merkel emphasized use of religious freedom as a common task of state and churches.

The Chancellor also advocated a living religious life in Germany. This includes, among or things, an undisturbed religious practice for all believers and every religious community. Merkel refore called for tolerance. "Those who affirm many folds must practice tolerance. This is historic Erfahrungunseres continent, "she said. Tolerance is soul of Europe and basic principle of any open society.

Merkel also recalled social significance of Reformation. The religious Renewal movement has developed an understanding of person who shaped modern era decisively and which basically builds up any democratic order.

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and or representatives of supreme State institutions as well as state guests also attended celebration of end of Reformation memorial year.

Date Of Update: 01 November 2017, 12:03