Swedish Bishops Condemn ‘Divisive’ Polish Film on Martin Luther

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STOCKHOLM (ChurchMilitant.com) - Polish Catholic director Grzegorz Braun is receiving backlash in Sweden over his historically accurate film Luther and the Protestant Revolution.

The Catholic diocese of Stockholm announced in a press release last week that they are distancing themselves from Braun's independent documentary owing to Polish "reactions that the film does not portray Luther and the emergence of the reform in a fair way."

Braun told Church Militant, "This is a serious and grave accusation, and that's why I have my suspicions. I don't know these people, and I don't know the author of this irresponsible and idiotic note."

"This is Martin Luther speaking to you through his own papers, sermons, letters and words that were published by his friends, supporters, followers and believers," insisted Braun to Church Militant. "If Stockholm bishops have any doubts or regrets regarding the quality of my documentary, blame Martin Luther himself. I am just reporting the historical facts."

In addition, the film reveals the development of Luther's influence in other countries with other Protestant revolutions up until the modern day. "It will be aimed at identifying today's protracted Protestant revolutions," continues the aim of the documentary, "echoes of events half a thousand years old, the devastating effects of the 'shockwave' of Protestantism in the horrors and absurdities of the 20th/21st centuries."

Martin Luther was a Catholic priest who left the Church and launched the Protestant revolution with the nailing of the 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral in Germany. His "theses" were disagreements with the Church that sparked from his former criticism of abuses, including the sale of indulgences. Luther sought to change Church teaching and doctrine concerning grace, salvation, the Sacraments and Holy Scripture.

In producing his documentary, Braun traveled to nine countries throughout Europe. He filmed over 30 people, including academic historians, theologians, philosophers, writers and journalists who studied Luther and the revolution and captured footage of many of the historical sites associated with its beginnings.

Braun told Church Militant he is preparing to release an English version of his film in the next few months.

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