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Presentation of the Augsburg Confession commemoration
June 25, 2023
On June 25, 1530, the Augsburg Confession was presented by theologian Philipp Melanchthon, who spoke on behalf of German rulers and free cities, to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Augsburg.
Melanchthon, a vital member of the Protestant Reformation along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, wrote and compiled the Augsburg Confession. Luther was an outlaw under imperial law and was unable to travel to Augsburg, but he reviewed the articles before Melanchthon read the confession in the presence of the Emperor.
Emperor Charles V invited the Lutheran princes and theologians to attend a meeting of government leaders at Augsburg. He wanted to discuss how the religious controversy in his empire could be settled so German Lutheran princes would join the imperial forces to keep the Turks out of Europe.
The Augsburg Confession is composed of several documents that already existed but were combined by Melanchthon to give a clear but conciliatory summary of the teachings and practices of the Lutheran pastors and congregations. To this day, the Augsburg Confession is the primary explanation of the Lutheran faith and is one of the most important documents of the Reformation.
Worship resources to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession
LCMS Worship provides propers to commemorate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession on or around June 25. Suggested resources included an Introit, Collect of the Day, Old Testament Reading, Psalm, Epistle, Verse, Holy Gospel, Hymn of the Day, and Preface.
A lectionary summary is also available to include in worship service bulletins.
