With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation approaching, now is an excellent time to explore the cities in Germany where it all began. From May 17-26, Mary Jane Haemig, professor of church history and director of the Reformation Research Program, will lead a Reformation heritage tour through Germany. Professor Haemig says, “This tour will feature expert local guides as we tour sites of the Reformation and learn about world changing events. As a professor of the Reformation at Luther Seminary, I look forward to being available to extend conversations inspired by our guides and help participants think about this heritage as it affects our lives today and what it can mean for our future.”
Each month, we’ll bring you details about another leg of the tour. The tour will travel through Wittenberg, Torgau, Leipzig, Erfurt, Eisenach, Wartburg Castle, Eisleben and Berlin.
On May 20 we travel to Torgau and tour the city. In 1544 the first palace and church were specifically built and consecrated in Torgau under the auspices of a Protestant Prince. In this perfectly preserved Renaissance castle, marvel at the chapel and the unique cantilevered spiral staircase. We continue to nearby St. Mary’s Church, where Katharina von Bora, Luther’s lovely wife, “Katie,” is buried. Afterward, we return to Wittenberg and a free evening will offer the chance to further explore the “Luther city” on your own.
May 21 offers a daytrip to Leipzig, where a tour explores the St. Nicholas Church, whose members organized the Peaceful Revolution, the nonviolent demonstrations of hundreds of thousands of East Germans in May 1989. We suggest having lunch at the historic Auerbachs Keller where Goethe once dined. This afternoon, you’ll experience the Motet service and listen to the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir. Afterward, we will meet at the St. Thomas Church for a discussion with a local pastor, who will share his personal reflections on the Peaceful Revolution. End the day back at Wittenberg for dinner and relaxing.
We hope you will consider joining us for this incredible trip! The tour is being organized by Mary Jane Haemig and Mary Steeber, coordinator of volunteer programs. If you have questions, please contact Mary Jane Haemig via email at mhaemig@luthersem.edu or by phone at 651-641-3244. You may also visit us online to register and learn more.