Churches marking 500 years since Reformation
There are a great many anniversaries being marked this year: the centenary of the Russian Revolution, the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbour, the 25th anniversary of the Gulf War, the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War.
But perhaps the most significant of all for the Western world, it is 500 years since the Reformation.
It was on October 31, 1517, that Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic priest, hammered his 95 theses onto the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany.
It was the start of the Protestant movement.
The subsequent printing of the bible in English by William Tyndale helped to establish English as the premier language across the world, while the encouragement of independent thought and self-striving is said to have sewn the seeds of the industrial revolution.
Maidstone’s churches intend to mark the anniversary as part of their Waypoint Project, albeit two days early, on Sunday, October 29, when at 2pm Luther’s 95 theses will be again be nailed onto an imitation church door in Jubilee Square, off High Street, Maidstone.
Afterwards there will be a street drama, featuring actors portraying Martin Luther, Katherine Allin, who was one of the seven Protestants martyred for their faith outside the building that is today Drake’s bar in Fairmeadow, and Maidstone’s very own John Ball, the Peasants’ Revolt priest whose preaching in 1381 anticipated Luther’s own work.
Neil Pattison, leader of Jubilee Church in Maidstone, said: “Human rights, free speech, freedom of religion, and the development of English as a widely spoken language are just a few of the consequences of the Reformation we enjoy today.
“The event is open to everyone – come and find out what the Reformation did for you.”
The ceremony will be followed by a procession to the United Reformed Church in Week Street for a 3pm service, with a blessing at 3.45pm and refreshments.
On display will be an original 1589 Geneva Bible, one of the early English Bible translations and the same version that was used by William Shakespeare.