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Reformation Day, October 31 |
On this day in the year 1517, Martin Luther posted some of his ideas on the door of the
castle church of All Saints in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther taught theology at the university there. The teachers
often invited discussion of their theories by posting them publicly. On October 31 pilgrims arrived in town for
the celebration of All Saints' Day. Luther thought they would help get a lively debate going.
Over the next few years the debate turned into a division within the church. This
chaotic time became known as the Protestant Reformation. For hundreds of years a gulf remained in place between
Catholic and Protestant believers. Reformation Sunday (the Sunday before October 31) is held in Protestant
churches, especially Lutheran churches, to remember what the reformers had done.
During the Second Vatican Council, held in the 1960s, the Roman Catholic church dealt
with many of the issues raised during the Reformation. Since then, Catholic and Protestant churches have been
talking with one another in an official and ongoing way. Because of this dialogue, Reformation Day has taken on
a new meaning. It's now a time when many churches meet to celebrate the beliefs they share and to pray for
understanding and unity.
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