History of Reformation Day in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 31, 2025

Reformation Day, a Protestant Christian holiday observed on October 31, commemorates the beginning of the Reformation. It marks Martin Luther's act of nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church in 1517, which challenged the Catholic Church's teachings and practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. This event is considered the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, leading to significant religious and political changes in Europe and the development of various Protestant denominations. The day is celebrated with church services, educational events, and other activities that reflect on the Reformation's historical and theological significance.

1917: Celebration of Reformation anniversary during World War I

In 1917, during the First World War, the Reformation anniversary in Germany saw recurring nationalist themes, while serious research of Luther's theology also gained importance.

1917: Anniversary of Reformation muted by World War I

The 1917 anniversary was held during World War I. The "German Luther" theme was muted, marked by Germanophobia in the Anglo-Saxon world, while Germany celebrated with nationalist elements.

October 1967: West Germany celebrates Reformation anniversary

In October 1967, the Lutheran areas of West Germany celebrated the 450th Reformation anniversary during an "ice age" in the state and Church relationship in East Germany, where secularization attempts and marginalization of Church events occurred.

October 1999: Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification signed

On October 1999, the Lutheran World Federation and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity signed the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, addressing doctrinal disagreements between Lutheran Churches and the Catholic Church.

2006: World Methodist Council recognizes the Declaration

In 2006, the World Methodist Council formally recognized the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, an agreement addressing doctrinal disagreements between Lutheran Churches and the Catholic Church.

2009: Reformation Day declared a national holiday in Chile

In 2009, Reformation Day was declared a national holiday in Chile due to the increasing influence of Protestantism in Latin America.

2013: Report published anticipating Reformation commemoration

In 2013, the Joint International Commission between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church published the report "From Conflict to Communion", anticipating the upcoming Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017.

2016: Anglicans participate in March for Jesus on Reformation Day

In 2016, Anglicans from the Diocese of Chile of the Anglican Church of South America participated in the March for Jesus on Reformation Day as a celebration of their Protestant heritage.

2016: Pope Francis commemorates the Reformation in Sweden

On Reformation Day in 2016, Pope Francis of the Catholic Church traveled to Sweden to commemorate the Reformation at Lund Cathedral.

October 2017: Reformation Day becomes official holiday in all of Germany

On 31 October 2017, Reformation Day was an official holiday in all of Germany, including states that do not usually celebrate it annually, through the passing of legislation and regulations.

2017: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation

In 2017, Lutheran and Catholic Christians commemorated the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation with a year-long remembrance.

2017: Reformation Day declared a national holiday in Peru

In 2017, Reformation Day was declared a national holiday in Peru, coinciding with the increasing influence of Protestantism in Latin America.

2017: Vatican releases Reformation anniversary stamp

In 2017, the Vatican press released a stamp to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, depicting Luther and Melanchton kneeling before a crucified Jesus.

2017: Vatican releases stamp commemorating the Reformation

In 2017, the Vatican's press released a commemorative stamp for the Reformation's 500th anniversary, portraying Luther and Melanchton kneeling before a crucified Jesus.