By Monsignor Noel C. Burtenshaw

Reformation Sunday was at one time celebrated by Lutherans and their reform minded brothers and sisters of other Protestant sects. Then it came to pass that Catholics began to mark the celebration also.

Now Lutherans, Catholics and all others are celebrating together. It is a giant step forward for religious unity and there is great anticipation in all quarters as the feast is commemorated on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in downtown Atlanta.

“Not only are we going to be together for Reformation Sunday,” says Father Alan Dillman, Religious Unity Commission director for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, “we are going to have a Reformation Festival. It will extend through Sunday and Monday, October 27 and 28. We have prepared well and look forward to this year’s celebration.”

The preparation has really been fruitful. Bishop Gerald S. Troutman of the Southeastern Snyod of the Lutheran Church in America will join Bishop David A. Wolber of the Southeastern District of the American Lutheran Church, and Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan in a joint festival-worship celebration on Sunday. Guest speaker for the liturgy will be Father Carl J. Peters, dean of the School of Religious Studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Many of the Atlanta clergy are expected to attend the Sunday liturgy which will take place at 4 p.m. A reception will follow at the Church of the Redeemer.

Monday, October 28 will be the study day. Highlights of this day will be the different dialogues on the Reformation, its history and a discussion of justification. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with registration and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

The bishops will participate in the dialogue and answer questions. Also participating with Father Peters will be Lutheran Dr. John F. Johnson who has participated in the national Lutheran/Roman Catholic Dialogue.

“Monday will be a very exciting time,” says Father Dillman. “I believe we will find it informative, interesting and prayerful. We are glad it can all happen here in Atlanta.”

This Reformation Festival is merely the beginning. The study and the fellowship will continue for the next 12 months, after which a Covenant of Cooperation is expected to be signed linking the denominations more closely together. “We have signed a covenant with the Episcopal Church,” said Father Dillman. “Now we will work toward the same relationship with our Lutheran brothers and sisters. It is all part of the unity that all Christians hopefully seek and for which we constantly pray.”

So, Reformation Sunday will be the beginning of a journey that will lead local communities -- Lutheran and Catholic -- to a better understanding and acceptance of each other.