On the last Sunday of October, Lutheran churches worldwide will mark Reformation Day or Reformation Sunday.  This year holds particular significance as the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) prepares for two important events:  the Reformation 500th anniversary and the Twelfth Assembly in 2017; both events united under the common theme, "Liberated by God's Grace."

As churches move closer towards Reformation Day, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge is inviting them to reflect on what it means to be liberated by God’s grace. In his Reformation Day letter to the LWF member churches, Junge reminds churches that “We are already in the midst of the Reformation anniversary celebrations,” referring to exceptional regional and global gatherings as well as topical booklets published in 2015. He encourages them to participate in the myriad global celebrations of the anniversary, which will peak in 2017.

“Come together with other churches and partners in thinking about what it means to be liberated by God’s grace, and to join in following the call of Jesus Christ in establishing signs of his service and his love in the world,” Junge writes. His letter also emphasizes the ecumenical openness of this commemoration.