Denmark
Denmark

The Lutheran reformation was brought to Denmark in 1520s. Hans Tausen (1494-1561), “Denmark’s Martin Luther”, after studying in Germany, became court chaplain and promoted the new teaching in Copenhagen. He published the first translation of the Pentateuch (5 books of Mose) in Danish in 1535. Johann Bugenhagen (1485-1558) prepared the new order (constitution, liturgy, and regulations) for the Danish church. In 1537, the year after the official reception of the Reformation, Bugenhagen crowned the new king and consecrated the seven superintendents who replaced the former bishops.

Plans for Reformation 500

In Denmark, the government has appointed a presidium that will oversee the national celebrations. The focus is on the influence of the Reformation on Danish society. A national celebration will be organized in Denmark by the churches with the queen as protector. All Protestant churches are invited to co-celebrate the anniversary in Denmark; within the Danish Lutheran Church the preparations are organized by the committees.

According to the Danish understanding, the anniversary should not merely celebrate the history but should also deal with the present and the future. There should also be space for offering critique of Luther and the Reformation. Grundtvig and Kierkegaard were critical of Luther; there’s an intention to take up their voices as well.

Some plans:

  • An initiative to release a 20 DKK note for 2017
  • A thematic opera by a Danish composer. A coproduction with Erfurt opera in Germany
  • Modern Danish pieces of art inspired by topics of the Reformation
  • The Danish scouts will have Reformation as a central theme
  •  There is an official logo and website on the Reformation Anniversary in Denmark: www.luther2017.dk
  • Several excursions are being organized to the Luther sites in Germany and there is the idea to send 2000 Danish parish council members (especially youth) to visit Lutheran churches and congregations worldwide
  • Youth choirs will produce a cantata for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.

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