Japan

Catholics, Lutherans to mark Reformation anniversary in Nagasaki

Next year will also be the 150th anniversary of the worst persecution of Christians in Japan

Published: November 28, 2016 04:58 AM GMT

Updated: November 28, 2016 04:59 AM GMT

The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan have agreed to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation on Nov.23 next year at Urakami Cathedral in Nagasaki, one of the oldest churches in Japan.

Archbishop Mitsuaki Takami of Nagasaki and Reverend Joji Oshiba, vice president of the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, met German President Joachim Gauck at the cathedral on Nov. 18 and presented a letter asking for cooperation for the event.

On that same day, Gauck, a former Lutheran pastor in East Germany, visited the 26 Martyrs Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park.

Next year is also the 150th anniversary of the last and most extensive persecution of Christians in Japan, which took place in Urakami.

From left, Archbishop Mitsuaki Takami, German President Joachim Gauck and Reverend Joji Oshiba at Urakami Cathedral, Nagasaki. (Photo courtesy of Nagasaki Archdiocese)

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