525th anniversary of Luther's baptism

Celebrations mark 525th anniversary of Luther's baptism

by Ethan Cole, Christian Post

Posted: Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 22:59 (GMT)

Lutheran congregations worldwide are joining in celebrations today for the 525th anniversary of the baptism of protestant reformation founder Martin Luther.

The worldwide “Baptism Festival” on Tuesday, the day after the anniversary of Martin Luther’s birthday on November 10, 1483, will see at least 270 baptisms in 249 congregations celebrating baptismal remembrances in 13 countries.

“A developed theology of baptism is a central part of our Lutheran heritage and this festival is a way to emphasise that importance in our home congregations and worldwide,” said the Rev Scott A. Moore, an ELCA pastor serving St Andreas-Nicolai-Petri in Lutherstadt Eisleben and Saints Peter and Paul Church in Volkstedt, Germany.

Martin Luther was born in Eisleben and was brought by his parents to be baptised in St Peter Church the day after he was born, according to the customs of the time.

He grew up to become a monk, theologian, university professor, church reformer and the father of the Protestant Reformation. Luther gave his last sermon at St Peter Church before he died February 18, 1546, in Eisleben.  more