“Live sober, upright and godly lives in this world”

What ideas and insights from the Reformation are still relevant to our life today, 500 years later? What does it mean to be Protestant at the present time? And how are we celebrating this anniversary? These and other questions are answered in a brochure that was presented today at the meeting of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD). Entitled “Celebrating the Reformation Anniversary in 2017”, it has the motto “Live sober, upright and godly lives in this world” (Titus 2:12)

The 36-page booklet is meant for everyone who would like to learn more about the Reformation and its significance for our lives, both in the church and in society. Speaking at its presentation in Berlin, Präses Annette Kurschus, deputy EKD Council Chair, explained:

“We are concerned to show what a Protestant approach to life can mean today: inner freedom and concern for our neighbour, living from trust in God and drawing guidance from the Bible – humble and, when necessary, also forthright.” With its everyday style and short, pithy statements, she found that the booklet “comes to the point about Protestantism”.

For Johann Hinrich Claussen, EKD spokesperson on cultural affairs, the guide to the Reformation offers a Protestant orientation that has lost nothing of its power. “A spirituality that is formative, that leaves its imprint on culture and has a spiritual home is beneficial to the whole of society,” Claussen remarked. In his view, “a faith that strengthens powers of resistance against abuse of power and injustice” is more necessary today than ever.

On 31 October 1517 Martin Luther is said to have posted his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg’s Castle Church. This is regarded as a central starting point of the worldwide Reformation movement. In 2017 Christians all over the world are commemorating that event.

One of the highpoints of Reformation Summer 2017 in Germany will be the Ascension Day weekend. Over 100,000 participants are expected to attend the German Protestant Kirchentag in Berlin from 24 May. On the way to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, thousands of people will stop over at six “Kirchentag on the Way” programmes in eight Central German cities. Then participants will all come together in Wittenberg for the Festive Weekend, culminating on Sunday 28 May with a huge festive service on the Elbe meadows south of the town. Anglican Archbishop Tabor Makgoba from Cape Town, South Africa, will preach the sermon.

The guide to “Celebrating the Reformation Anniversary in 2017” is available in English and German and can be ordered free of charge from the EKD Church Office. The digital version is at ekd.de.

Hanover, 28 April 2017

EKD Press Office
Carsten Splitt