A church in Berlin has doubled its audience on Sunday by putting on a Star Wars themed Christian service for fans.
Star Wars fans were invited to attend the special service, themed around the sci-fi films, in an attempt to attract more young people into the pews, The Associated Press reported.
Vicars hoped the event would not be "too Christian or too Star Wars" as they taught the bible dressed in robes and pointed out that the films use religious imagery.
About 500 people attended the service, some carrying light saber props or wearing Darth Vader masks. It was more than twice the number that usually come to Zion Church on a Sunday.
"We were very happy to see so many people in the church today," said Protestant pastor Lucas Ludewig said after the service. "It's great that there are subjects that people are interested in. 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."
The film series' theme song was played on the church's organ.
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30-year-old pastor Ludewig said he came up with the idea of the Star Wars service while talking with fellow pastor Ulrike Garve, 29, about how much they were looking forward to the seventh installment in the franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opened on Friday.
"Star Wars picks up religious images, including Christian images and maybe some from other religions," said Ludewig. "In doing so, it shows that the Bible and the Church are part of our culture that keeps being reworked and reinterpreted."
Churchgoer Jonathan Wonneberger, who was dressed as a Jawa trader, described the service as a welcome change from tradition.
"You don't have to take everything that's religious too seriously. Of course you have to treat it with respect, but when there's a global event like Star Wars, it's ok to jump on the bandwagon," he said.
Scott McGuire, sporting a Chewbacca costume, said he planned to go and see the new film later.
"I think the whole question of God is very interesting, but getting up early on a Sunday is one of those things. But for something like this, I'll go," he said.
