“The Wittenberg Project”
RESOLUTION 15-01
Report R1 (CW, p. 4); President’s Report, Part 2 (TB, pp. 21–31)
Introduction
In 1564, construction of the Old Latin School (Alte Lateinschule) began under the authority of Prince Elector August I (1526-1586), who was a staunch defender of Lutheran theology. The Old Latin School was built across from St. Mary’s Church, where Dr. Martin Luther preached more than 2,000 sermons. It was created to prepare young men to be of service to society and to the Church. In 2006, the Synod’s Central Illinois District Church Extension Fund helped to purchase the Old Latin School. So after the purchase of the school, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), Concordia Publishing House (CPH), and the Independent Evangelical-Lutheran Church (SELK) in Germany established the International Lutheran Society of Wittenberg (ILSW) for the sake of renovating the building and to do ministry together in Wittenberg, Germany. On Sunday May 3, 2015, the renovated Old Latin School was dedicated to the glory of God and for service to the Lord’s Church. Beginning on May 4, the first event of the newly dedicated Old Latin School was held. Confessional church leaders from around the world gathered in Wittenberg to discuss global challenges and opportunities under the theme, “Celebrating the Reformation Rightly: Remembrance, Repentance, Rejoicing.” Since then, other events have been held and many groups have made use of the Old Latin School.
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther on Oct. 31, 1517, posted 95 theses against the abuse of indulgences on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, thereby igniting the Reformation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther wrote, “The true treasure of the Church is the most Holy Gospel of the glory and the grace of God” (Thesis 62); and
WHEREAS, The pure, sweet Gospel of God’s grace in Jesus Christ is the only source of true comfort for sinful people in the presence of their holy Creator; and
WHEREAS, God used Dr. Martin Luther and other reformers to proclaim the Good News about Jesus Christ with renewed clarity and zeal, beginning in Wittenberg; and
WHEREAS, Wittenberg is attracting a growing number of visitors as we approach the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS is celebrating this milestone Reformation anniversary under the theme, “It’s Still All About Jesus”; and
WHEREAS, The ILSW has established a Christian education and Gospel outreach center in “The Wittenberg Project”; and
WHEREAS, The ILSW was enabled to renovate the Old Latin School through the generous donations and prayers of faithful Lutheran people, congregations, schools, and other entities; and
WHEREAS, The International Lutheran Center in the Old Latin School is being used to proclaim the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ with Wittenberg-area residents, only about 15 percent of whom even profess to be Christian, and with as many as possible of the tens of thousands of visitors to this town so important for the proclamation of that Gospel; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 2016 convention of the LCMS thank God for blessing The Wittenberg Project, and pray that He would use it to reach many more people with the Gospel; and be it further
Resolved, That the convention encourage congregations, districts, universities, seminaries, RSOs and auxiliaries of the Synod to make use of the Old Latin School in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and beyond; and be it finally
Resolved, That LCMS people, congregations, schools, and other entities be encouraged to visit, pray for, and provide financial support for The Wittenberg Project.