The first and foremost merit of Protestant Reformation is that it dispensed with one, unique, and unquestionable authority, embodied in the Roman Catholic Church. It opened the path to pluralism - a multitude of opinions that seek to be freely expressed, without censure and fear of punishment. It dismantled the dogma of one truth and one truth only - whether it be about God, Trinity, priests, an attitude towards worldly riches or anything else. Even though it was not secular, its focus on living in this world rather than in anticipation of heaven or hell, opened new perspectives for the development of secularism too.
The best response would be that the Church is willing to accept a great deal of violence and willing to accept some remnants of pagan culture for them to unify Europe under a single faith since they advocate for the Crusades.
