Celebrations mark 525th anniversary of Luther's baptism

Lutheran congregations worldwide are joining in celebrations today for the 525th anniversary of the baptism of protestant reformation founder Martin Luther.

The worldwide "Baptism Festival" on Tuesday, the day after the anniversary of Martin Luther's birthday on November 10, 1483, will see at least 270 baptisms in 249 congregations celebrating baptismal remembrances in 13 countries.

"A developed theology of baptism is a central part of our Lutheran heritage and this festival is a way to emphasise that importance in our home congregations and worldwide," said the Rev Scott A. Moore, an ELCA pastor serving St Andreas-Nicolai-Petri in Lutherstadt Eisleben and Saints Peter and Paul Church in Volkstedt, Germany.

Martin Luther was born in Eisleben and was brought by his parents to be baptised in St Peter Church the day after he was born, according to the customs of the time.

He grew up to become a monk, theologian, university professor, church reformer and the father of the Protestant Reformation. Luther gave his last sermon at St Peter Church before he died February 18, 1546, in Eisleben.

Luther's followers and supporters formed what became the Lutheran Church.

To this day, adults and children are still baptised in the same baptismal font as baby Martin Luther 525 years ago.

The organisers of Luther's baptismal celebration hope to have 525 congregations commit to participate in the Liturgy of Baptism and Baptismal Remembrance. The group is also aiming to baptise 525 individuals as part of the global celebration.

One Lutheran congregation in Mlandege, Tanzania reported on the organiser's website that it will baptise 45 people on Tuesday.

The Lutheran church is in the midst of its decade of celebration honouring Martin Luther's legacy. The "Luther Decade" kicked off in September and will run until 2017 during which Lutherans will celebrate the Augustinian monk's legacy, foster dialogue with people of other faiths and deepen theological conversation.