Reformation Day

Reformation Day

October 31

When Martin Luther (1483-1546), a German monk and religious reformer, nailed his 95 "theses" (or propositions) to the church door in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, his only intention was to voice his opinions about certain practices and customs in the Roman Catholic Church, in the hope that someone would engage him in a public debate.
Instead, so many people agreed with his ideas that they spread throughout western Europe and touched off a religious revolt known as the Reformation. As a result, many Christians broke their centuries-old connection with the Roman Catholic Church and established independent churches of their own, prime among them being the Lutheran Church.
October 31 is observed by most Protestant denominations as Reformation Day, and the preceding Sunday is known as Reformation Sunday . In Germany, the day is sometimes referred to as Luther's Theses Day .
See also Martinsfest

CONTACTS:
Concordia Theological Seminary
6600 N. Clinton St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
260-452-2100; fax: 260-452-2121
www.ctsfw.edu

SOURCES:
BkFest-1937, p. 106
DaysCustFaith-1957, p. 277
DictWrldRel-1989, p. 606
OxYear-1999, p. 434
RelHolCal-2004, p. 105

Celebration day: Oct 31

Celebrated in: Slovenia