November 7, 2008

CHICAGO – The congregations of Lutherstadt Eisleben are celebrating the 525th anniversary of Martin Luther's Baptism Nov. 11, 2008, with a worldwide "Baptism Festival." Martin Luther was born Nov. 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany. As was the custom, Hans and Margarethe Luther brought their son the next day to be baptized at St. Peter Church.

Martin Luther went on to become a monk, theologian, university professor, church reformer and "father" of the Protestant Reformation. He preached his last sermon at St. Peter Church before he died Feb. 18, 1546, in Eisleben. Luther's followers and supporters formed what became the Lutheran church.

"We still baptize adults and children in the remains of the same baptismal font in which the little baby Martin was held. To commemorate the 525th anniversary of Luther's Baptism, we would like to have an even larger ceremony this year," said the http://www.luther525.de/, Web site promoting the observance.

Visitors to the Web site are invited to register their personal or congregation's commitment to celebrate Luther's baptismal anniversary Nov. 9-16. A goal is to have 525 congregations around the world participating in a "Liturgy of Baptism and Baptismal Remembrance." Another goal is to baptize 525 individuals as part of the global celebration. The site includes an invitation to mark the anniversary with a visit to Eisleben.

On Nov. 6 the site added to its count 45 Baptisms at the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in Mlandege, Tanzania. That brought totals to at least 270 Baptisms and 249 congregations celebrating baptismal remembrances in 13 countries.

As many as 25 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) – from House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Escondido, Calif., to St. Martin Lutheran Church, Albemarle, N.C. – registered plans to host remembrances.

The Rev. Claudia D. Bergmann and the Rev. Scott A. Moore are married ELCA pastors serving St. Andreas-Nicolai-Petri in Lutherstadt Eisleben and Saints Peter and Paul Church in Volkstedt, Germany. They are mission personnel of ELCA Global Mission.

"A developed theology of Baptism is a central part of our Lutheran heritage and this festival is a way to emphasize that importance in our home congregations and worldwide," Moore said.

The intention is not to have a "mass Baptism," according to the Web site. Instruction will precede Baptisms in Eisleben. "We believe Baptism is a crucial step in the life of every Christian. This is, however, one of the first of many, and the support of a congregation at home is of vital importance."

Information about the 525th anniversary celebration in English is at http://www.luther525.de/lilac_cms/gb/,1754424596,cms,/index.html, on the Web.

ELCA News Service