German church celebrates ‘Star Wars’ at a Sunday service

Vicar Ulrike Greve (left) conducts a service which includes a clip from the movie “Star Wars” at the church Zionskirche in Berlin December 20, 2015.

Children carried toy lightsabers to a Protestant church in Berlin and some of the congregation dressed up as Darth Vader on Sunday (Dec. 20) for a service to mark the release of the blockbuster hit new Star Wars movie.

The Democrat and Chronicle of Rochester reports (http://on.rocne.ws/1QT6KdI ) that a western NY man legally changed his name a year ago to match the villain in the “Star Wars” films.

A person dressed as a character from the movie “Star Wars” attends a service at the church Zionskirche in Berlin December 20, 2015.

Fans have long discussed the Biblical imagery and allegories within the Star Wars saga, but the line between The Force and Christianity has become even more blurred over in Germay. About 500 people, some carrying light saber props or wearing Darth Vader masks, attended the service, more than twice as many as usual on a Sunday.

“We were very happy to see so many people in the church today”, said pastor-in-training Lucas Ludewig, according to DPA news agency. “They trust us to make them part of the church service without making it too Christian or too ‘Star Wars, ‘ but to find a good compromise”, Ludewig added after the service.

Berliner Jonathan Wonneberger, 25, dressed up as a Jawa from the desert planet of Tatooine, with flashing yellow eyes and a dark brown habit.

“Star Wars picks up religious images, including Christian images and maybe some from other religions”, said Ludewig.