Reformation Day Celebration 2026

Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute celebrated Reformation Day on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at 10.00 am in the Schwan Memorial Chapel, under the theme “Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda.” The celebration was convened by Dr. Vethakani Vedhanayagam, and the liturgy was coordinated by Prof. Dr. Aravind Jeyakumar Moniraj and Rev. Dr. Shanthi Sudha Monica. The Department of Biblical Studies led the worship and Holy Communion, a fitting role since the Reformation itself began with Scripture. Rev. Prof. Dr. Nelavala Gnana Prasuna, Acting Principal, introduced the guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Chandran Paul Martin, ELCA Regional Representative for Churches in Asia and the Pacific, who preached on “Not Lutheran Enough – The Reformation Goes On.” He reminded the community that the Reformation had many fathers and mothers, revisited the themes of the 95 Theses and the five solas, and offered a sharp postcolonial critique: the Reformation liberated some but left many behind, including the peasants and women. He named today’s indulgences in the church, such as power politics in elections and postings, caste and gender divisions, and the prosperity gospel, and called the Wittenberg door not a museum but a mirror. He urged us to be not merely “Lutheran enough” but ever more “Christ enough.” Intercessions prayed for justice for Dalits, Adivasis, women, workers and minorities, and the Eucharist was celebrated. The celebration closed with a renewed commitment to be a church reformed and always being reformed.