The Council of Lutheran Churches in Great Britain (CLC) welcomed over fifty participants to our annual celebration of the Reformation, hosted this year at St. Katherine’s Danish Church in London. Reformation Day, held on 31 October, commemorates the occasion in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, as a sign of protest.
Anticipating the 500th anniversary year of William Tyndale’s English translation of the Bible, a special lecture and conversation preceded the worship service. Rev Joseph Nelson and Rev Dr Boris Gunjević each shared their unique views of how Tyndale represents a significant bridge between the reformers of Wittenberg and the Protestant development taking place in Britain. After the lectures, presenters engaged audience questions and brought some of the relevant issues into contemporary perspective.
Following a short time of fellowship over Danish refreshments served up by the host church was a service celebrating our Lutheran heritage of grace, word, and sacrament, inviting the participation of laypersons and clergy from around the CLC, as well as several ecumenical guests. The sermon was offered by Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary for Churches Together in England. The host church choir provided the music, including some pieces unique to their Danish tradition.
Watch the Reformation Day service.
We greatly appreciate the warm welcome extended by St. Katherine’s, and all those whose efforts in planning and participation enabled this celebration.
The Council of Lutheran Churches is one of CTE’s national Member Churches.
Explore the new CLC William Tyndale site.
Photo credit: Council of Lutheran Churches