Reformation Festival in Augsburg: Lecture on the future of religious education

Reformation Festival in Augsburg: Lecture on the future of religious education

On October 31, 2025, the Augsburg Church of St. Anna will be dedicated to the Reformation when Regional Bishop Klaus Stiegler gives a lecture on the topic “Future of Religious Education”. The occasion is not only significant for the Protestant Church, but also for the city of Augsburg, which plays a central role in the history of the Reformation. Stiegler is expected to be a guest of honor at the theological evening, and at 7 p.m. the evening will be rounded off with musical sounds - provided by the madrigal choir and the deanery district trombone choir.
The Reformation has its roots in a historical moment that began around 500 years ago, when Martin Luther published his famous 95 theses against the grievances in the church on October 31, 1517. These theses primarily addressed indulgences, an institution of salvation that was granted by the Pope and was of great importance at that time. Luther's ideas, which he disseminated widely through printing, led to profound theological debates and created a new awareness of the personal relationship with God.

Insight into the history of the Reformation

Augsburg was not only the place where Luther was interrogated by the papal envoy Cajetan between October 12 and 14, 1518 without recanting his theses, but also the scene of the Augsburg Confession of 1530. This confession, which was read out before Emperor Charlemagne, is now followed by around 150 member churches in 99 countries and brings together around 78 million Christians Christians worldwide, like that Sunday paper reported.

However, the Reformation was more than just a religious movement. It led to division within the Christian religious community and had a lasting impact on social structures. During the Reformation, Christianity in Europe became pluralized, which affected not only the practice of faith but also political participation and education. An example of this is the Peace of Augsburg of 1555, which recognized the Lutheran and Catholic denominations but excluded Reformed or Anabaptist movements, such as the bpb points out.

Looking into the future of religious education

Stiegler's keynote address discusses a future-oriented approach to religious education that builds on the achievements of the Reformation. The strengthening of individualized approaches to faith and the emphasis on the personal relationship with God that Luther's theology brought with it could still play an important role in teaching today. Especially in our increasingly pluralistic society, it is important to design religious education in such a way that it teaches students the basics of peaceful coexistence and leaves room for critical thinking.
The musical performance of the evening by the madrigal choir and the deanery district trombone choir will further enrich this important evening and will certainly be fondly remembered by the participants.

Reformation Day remains not just a look back, but also an opportunity to shape the future of the faith and keep the lessons of history alive, while Augsburg continues to function as a place of dialogue and theological debate.