CNA Newsroom, May 24, 2024 / 15:34 pm
German bishops have lauded their country’s constitution as a beacon of freedom this week as the nation commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Grundgesetz, or Basic Law.
At an ecumenical church service held in Berlin on Thursday, Bishop Michael Gerber, vice president of the German Bishops’ Conference, reflected on the Basic Law’s historical significance and enduring impact, reported CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.
“What was formulated 75 years ago considering the terrible catastrophe of National Socialism and the Second World War is today the foundation for the future of our country and — more broadly — our continent,” he said in his sermon.
The Federal Republic of Germany is commemorating the 75th anniversary of enacting its Basic Law on May 23, 1949, over several days. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has ordered an official state ceremony, and leaders such as President Emmanuel Macron of France are visiting. Citizens are invited to “democracy festivals” in Berlin and other locations.