Will the year of the Apostle Paul bring Christians closer together?

In memory of St. Paul, the apostle born in Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI has proclaimed the year from June 28, 2008 to June 29, 2009 ‘The Pauline Year.’ The commemorative year was kicked off in the southern Turkish city of Tarsus on June 21 with an ecumenical Church service and a symposium on the apostle. Catholic, Orthodox and Armenian dignitaries as well as representatives of Protestant congregations were in attendance. Many Christians expect that the “Pauline Year” will improve ecumenical relations, in particular those between the Vatican and Eastern churches. Turkish Christians hope that the Year of the Apostle Paul, often called the “People`s Apostle,” will improve their status in Turkey.

(Report: Ulrich Pick / Rick Fulker)