LWF Center remains in Wittenberg after reformation anniversary

“Valuable experience to study Luther’s theology in this historical place”

(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) will remain in Wittenberg for the coming ten years. This was announced during a press conference by the German National Committee (GNC), which represents the LWF member churches in Germany, on Monday. The GNC had already in 2017 decided to continue the Wittenberg Center which was founded in 2008. From November 2018 onward, the center will move into a new building in the city center.

“In 2008, Wittenberg welcomed us with open arms. We are glad that today it’s not “goodbye”, but “we’ll continue”. We look forward to the new location and we would like to thank the town for their support,” says Rev Hans Kasch, director of the Wittenberg Center. Wittenberg and the LWF belong together, he emphasized.

“It is such a valuable experience to study Luther’s theology in this historical place and to translate it into different contexts together with people from all the LWF member churches worldwide. Our visitors leave Wittenberg affirmed in their Lutheran identity, and they make Wittenberg known all over the world”, Kasch added.

As a global communion of Lutheran churches, the LWF is rooted in the confessional tradition which originated in Wittenberg. The opportunity for Lutherans from around the world to get in touch with history while reflecting about the present and future of reformation is invaluable.

"The LWF is grateful to the GNC for its support to the LWF Wittenberg Center, beyond the Reformation Anniversary,” LWF General Secretary Rev Dr Martin Junge, said. “As a global communion of Lutheran churches, the LWF is rooted in the confessional tradition which originated in that very city. The opportunity for Lutherans from around the world to get in touch with history while reflecting about the present and future of reformation is invaluable."

The Wittenberg center is an institution of the GNC and run on behalf of the LWF. The focus of its work lies on seminaries on Lutheran theology, which are attended by thousands of participants from LWF member churches every year. The center is also responsible for the Luther garden, an ecumenical project, and serves as a local contact point. Rev Hans Kasch, who was the first director of the Wittenberg Center, will retire on 25 June 2018. His successor will begin his or her service in October.

Wittenberg is a town in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. On 31 October 1517, according to legend, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses against the selling of indulgences at the door of the Castle Church. This event marks the beginning of the Reformation.

LWF Center Wittenberg Website