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Reformation:
From Division to a “Celebration of Harmony”
I
t would have been impossible to foresee how the actions of one person on Oct. 31, 1517, could
have so dramatically changed the course of history.
When Martin Luther, a Catholic priest, posted his 95 theses on the door at Castle Church,
Wittenberg, Germany, it was an act that many realized would have significant repercussions.
However few could have predicted that this simple act would lead to a split in the Catholic
Church, and the development of several new Christian denominations that 500 years later would
include all of Protestantism.
That event is marking its 500th anniversary this year.
And just as unlikely as it would have been to predict the outcome of this act, it would have been
equally impossible to predict the healing that would occur among clergy on both sides of the
Reformation.
There is still today some debate about whether Martin Luther actually posted his 95 theses on the
church door, though most among clergy believe he did.
But there is no questioning the fact that submitting them led to the Protestant Reformation,
and it changed forever the theology, politics and economics of an entire generation.
Lutheran SeniorLife is a Social Ministry Organization of the Southwestern Pa. Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Its mission has always been to serve seniors of any Faith, or of no Faith, in a
manner that would exemplify the words of Christ in the Gospel of John: “I
come so that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”
Abundant Life ® is the brand statement of Lutheran SeniorLife.
The focal points of Luther’s statements were that people were saved by
Faith Alone, and that the sale of indulgences was wrong because it sent
the message that money could in some way benefit a believer and that, by
extension, the poor did not have the same access to God.
Since Vatican II, there has been a slow, steady healing process taking place
between the Roman Catholic Church and many Protestant denominations, and the
ELCA has been prominent among them.
On April 27, 2018, as part of the 15th anniversary of its Excellence is Ageless Gala, Lutheran
SeniorLife will honor Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, and Bishop Kurt
Kusserow of the Southwestern Pa. Synod of the ELCA.
The bishops were selected not because of age, though the award emphasizes that significant
contributions are never limited in society because of age, but because the ministry of both of these
men has tremendously impacted the lives of seniors throughout western Pa. in a way that helps all
seniors live a more Abundant Life ®.
The theme of the Gala is “A Celebration of Harmony.”
Martin Luther was a dedicated priest who never would have wanted to cause the division that
resulted, and whose humility likely would have made the thought of a new denomination starting
in his name uncomfortable.
He likely would appreciate “A Celebration of Harmony.”
In the words of Bishop Kusserow: “We cannot change the story of what happened 500 years
ago, but we can change how the story is told.”
EXCELLENCE is AGELESS GALA
Helping you live an Abundant Life ®
www.lutheranseniorlife.org
FRIDAY,
APRIL 27, 2018
HEINZ FIELD
EAST CLUB LOUNGE
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