Reformation Day

Reformation Day commemorates the beginnings of the major movement that challenged the Catholic Church in 1517. Started by German theologian Martin Luther, the period of Reformation would create tension and division within the Catholic Church. Luther would deliver a list of propositions called the Ninety-five Theses. In it, he would dispute the abuses of power he witnessed in the Catholic Church.

Given Martin Luther’s propositions, the Catholic church would criticize and condemn him in 1521. This led to his excommunication and eventually his splitting away from the Catholic Church. Two sub-groups would be formed: Lutheranism and Protestantism. Reformation Day is observed annually on October 31st.