2017 marks five hundred years since Martin Luther set in motion the revolution that would become known as the Reformation which transformed church and societies in Europe forever more. Naturally, there will be countless events to make this historic occasion. However, we propose an event that will be something quite different, indeed unique to commemorate the quincentenary: to explore the Reformation as a global event – because the impact of Martin Luther’s revolution was not just upon European churches and societies. The Reformation’s long-term impact can today be seen in all four corners of the Earth.
So this gathering will seek to bring together representatives from every continent to examine the lasting impact of the Reformation in their part of the world, and to engage them in dialogue with leading German scholars. We also propose that this will be a fully ecumenical event – bringing Lutheran scholars and church leaders into dialogue with Roman Catholics, Anglicans and representatives of other Protestant churches, including evangelical and Pentecostal churches, and the many differing branches of the Orthodox Church family. Furthermore, it will be an interfaith event – representatives of other world religions will also engage in exploring the impact of the Reformation vis-à-vis their religion and faith communities as well as wider society.
Therefore, the overall key theme will be global reconciliation – a worthy focal point to celebrate and explore the Reformation anew.
N.B.: the majority of papers and presentations will take place between May 28 and May 31. The final two days of the conference will involve optional excursions to sites linked with the Reformation.
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Organizational Background
The event is a joint initiative between the Ecclesiological Investigations International Research Network (EI Network, see www.ei-research.net), the Centre for Reconciliation Studies at the University of Jena, Tübingen University, Georgetown University, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, Oxford University, and New York Theological Seminary.
This gathering will constitute the Eleventh Annual International Conference of the EI Network. Past conferences have been held in Oxford (England), Belgrade (Serbia), Assisi (Italy), Dayton-Ohio (US), Leuven (Belgium), Utrecht (Netherlands), Durham (England), Kottayam (India), Hawarden (Wales) and Washington, DC/Arlington Va. (USA) and Hong Kong, China (July 2015).
More detailed information about past events can be viewed at http://assisi2012.ei-research.net/ http://belgrade2013.ei-research.net/ http://oxford2014.ei-research.net/ and, our most recent gathering in DC – http://dc2015.ei-research.net/ – there you can finds videos of the plenary sessions alongside photos from throughout the event’s duration. The latest international gathering took place in Hong Kong from July 20-24 in 2016 – see the full program details at http://hongkong2016.ei-research.net/program/.