The Lutheran bishop stressed that Protestant teachings are still relevant today: "We must remove God from political discourse. Instead of resorting to religious magic, we must resort to human reason." Erniša said that we must trust in our faith to do good, stressing that our faith must be based on firm principles: "Slovenians should be proud that they played a role in the spread of Protestantism." According to Erniša, Protestantism teaches us to unite rather than to divide.
The Genevan Protestant theologian John Calvin said that the meaning of life is to know God. "However, this knowledge requires commitment. To know God is to dedicate one's life to goodness. This dedication must extend to our everyday activities, to our love for our neighbour and stranger, to our profession and to our interpersonal relationships. Tolerance and cooperation must become an inextricable part of our lives," said Erniša. He added that in order to achieve true human togetherness, we need to live our lives responsibly.
One of the greatest Slovenians ever
The first address of the evening was delivered by Viktor Žakelj, the head of the Primož Trubar Protestant Association (SPD). He said that Primož Trubar was one of the greatest Slovenians ever, and that it is thanks to him that the Slovenian language gained a foothold in the region of Prekmurje (NE).
He also touched upon the reunification of the region of Prekmurje with Slovenia in 1919, stressing that Catholic priests also played an important role in the reunification process. He added that Milan Kučan and France Bučar helped lead Slovenia to independence 25 years ago. According to Žakelj, the future calls for a different Europe, one in which we need to stand united and preserve social justice.
The ceremony was attended by President Borut Pahor and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Dejan Židan. Milan Kučan, Slovenia's first President, was also on hand.
The birth of written Slovenian language
Reformation Day, annually observed on October 31, is a bank holiday in Slovenia. The day marks the birth of the written Slovenian language, as the Protestant Reformation produced the first book published in Slovenian. The book, entitled Catechismus, was written by Primož Trubar in 1550.
Reformation Day has been observed in Slovenia since 1992. Since 2012, when the government passed a comprehensive austerity package, the day has not been marked with national ceremonies. Instead, the Primož Trubar Protestant Association has been organizing the annual ceremonies. The Association said that the ceremony will be held in a different town every year.
L.L.; translated by D.V.
