This fall, Augsburg College hosted alumni, faculty, staff, and聽community members for聽an international travel experience聽that took participants to the Czech Republic聽and Germany, which is聽in the midst of a tourism boom聽accompanying the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The travelers visited聽Wittenberg, the long-time home of Reformation catalyst Martin Luther, and ventured to historic sites to learn about the origins of the Lutheran faith from Augsburg College Religion Department faculty members Hans Wiersma and Lori Brandt Hale.
Star Tribune reporter Jean Hopfensperger and photographer Jerry Holt accompanied the group to chronicle how Minnesotans are observing聽the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in the “Land of Luther” in addition to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” given that religious, arts, and cultural organizations across Minnesota are planning聽special events and exhibits to mark the occasion.
As Hopfensperger wrote, “Luther鈥檚 legacy is particularly deep in Minnesota, and not just because of his followers鈥� enduring embrace of hymn fests 鈥� often followed by Jell-O and hot dish. One in four residents trace their namesake faith to the monk from Wittenberg.”
In a Star Tribune story, Augsburg alumnae聽Carol Pfleiderer ’64 and聽Kathleen Johnson ’72聽described their excitement with聽the trip itinerary and the ways it reflects and builds upon their understanding of their faith.
The Rev. Mark Hanson ’68, the College’s Executive Director of the , was among other alumni quoted in the article. He described some of the ways the Lutheran church is using the Reformation anniversary to foster Lutheran-Catholic dialogue and to make the church accessible to all people.
Read, “” on the Star Tribune site.
Nationally recognized travel expert Rick Steves will deliver a free public lecture on Friday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m. in Hoversten Chapel of Augsburg College鈥檚 Foss Center.